iERVANT
YBREAK
SERIE-S
JAN.-MAR.
981
IJ
-
u
-
How much can
a nine-yearaiold
sla
with one
Investment dollar I
Nine-year-old Desiree
Cameron had just one dollar
to start an Investment
project. The dollar was given
to her by her Sabbath School
Investment leader.
"What can I do with only
a dollar?" thought Desiree.
"I'll just have faith that God
can bless it!" Then she heard
her mother talking about
people at work who wanted a
healthy lunchtime snack.
Her Investment idea began
forming.
Desiree bought some fresh fruit with her dollar, carefully made
a "For Sale" sign, put the fruit and sign into a basket, and placed
it on her mother's desk. The people at work eagerly purchased the
fruit, and Desiree used the profits to buy more fruit. Soon, a
regular little Investment business had begun.
After the first eight months of investing, Desiree took time to
joyfully reflect on her success. In that short time she had already
contributed $103.60 to the investment fund of her Rolling Hills,
California church.
Why not join Desiree in
letting God multiply
your
investment?
(Not to mention your
faith.)
An Investment Firm
for God
Yours truly,
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
AFRO-MIDEAST DIVISION
Dear Sabbath School Members:
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF EASTERN AFRICA
The East African Union with 150,000 members in Kenya and Uganda is the
second largest union conference in the world. With a further 70,000
members in the neighboring countries of Tanzania and Ethiopia, there
are almost 250,000 church members without a senior college for their
youth.
Because of this, urgent need for a senior educational institution, the
General Conference has approved plans for the development of the University
College of Eastern Africa on a 334-acre agricultural estate in the high-
lands of Kenya near Eldoret and has agreed that the Special Projects
Offering fOr this quarter may be used exclusively for this project.
In anticipation of what we hope will be the largest Sabbath School
offering ever received by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the College
Board moved forward in faith and commenced building. Dr Percy Paul, the
college president, and his corps of teachers and staff have worked
valiantly under difficult conditions to launch this new Adventist
educational institution. Students from several countries began classes
in January, 1980. Your offerings will help to complete the modest
buildings which are needed to provide the facilities to operate a college
effectively and help establish an institution which will accelerate the
preparation of national workers for important leadership positions for
the church in Africa.
The members, faculty and students, present and future, thank you for
your continuing interest, prayers and support.
Charles D Watson
President
Afro-Mideast Division
Box 2043, Nicosia, Cyprus Telephone 50711/2 Telex 3204 AMD CY Cable 3204 Adventist
1—A.L. 1-81
ays with®
rermil
aloes one e
What holds top priority in your life? TV, sports, entertain-
ment, recreation, food?
We do need food and exercise to keep us strong and
healthy.
We also need spiritual food.
Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his
righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto
you."
The Sabbath School lesson is designed to supply the daily
food necessary to keep you strong and healthy spiritually.
DAYBREAK OA SERIES
Adult Sabbath School Lessons / No. 343 / January-March, 1981 (USPS 702-480)
Contins
1.
God Still in Control
2.
Built on the Rock
3.
The Called of God
4.
Marks of the Church
5.
The Church in Pictures
6.
A Chosen People
7.
Called to Be Saints
8.
United in Christ
9.
Disciplined by Love
10.
Called to Serve
11.
Order for Efficiency
12.
Servant Leaders
13.
Working While Waiting
The Adult Sabbath School Lessons are prepared by the Sabbath School Department
of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the lessons
is directed by a worldwide Sabbath School Lesson Committee, the members of which
serve as consulting editors.
Editorial Office: 6840 Eastern Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20012
Lesson Author: G. Arthur Keough
Editor: Gordon M. Hyde
Editorial Secretary: Florence L. Wetmore
Circulation Manager: Arthur R. Mazat
Art and Design: Pacific Press
Braille lessons available. See page 112.
Adult Sabbath School Lesson (standard edition). Published quarterly by Pacific
Press Publishing Association, 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View, California 94042,
U.S.A. One year subscription in U.S.A., $2.40; single copy, 60 cents. One year sub-
scription to countries outside U.S.A., $3.20; single copy, 80 cents. All prices at U.S.A.
exchange. Second-class postage paid at Mountain View, California 94042, U.S.A.
When a change of address is desired, please send both old and new addresses.
Copyright © 1980 by Pacific Press Publishing Association
5
WHAT IT IS AND CAN BE
1
G.
ARTHUR KFIBIK-H
TODAY
.
Here is the church;
here is the steeple.
Open the doors;
see all the people.
TED
eople. They make up the church and give it its personality.
.1L
—
Friendly. Aloof. Cynical. Sincere. Committed. Lukewarm. And
always far from perfect. Which means the critics will never run out
of ammunition.
But even for all its flaws, the church survives. It's more than a
social gathering of people with common interests. It represents
God's activity in the world and man's response.
OUR CHURCH TODAY: WHAT IT IS AND CAN BE, by G. Arthur
Keough, was written to help explain the Sabbath School lessons for
first quarter, 1981, and to point out the potential for good that exists
in an organized, motivated, committed group of Christians, better
known as the church.
Find OUR CHURCH TODAY: WHAT IT IS AND CAN BE at your
nearest Adventist Book Center. Or order by mail from ABC Mailing
Service, P.O. Box 59, Nashville, TN 37202. In Canada send to Box
398, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 7L5. Please include sales tax for your
state and add 10 percent (minimum,
754)
for postage and handling.
Special introductory price!
Get OUR CHURCH TODAY: WHAT IT IS
AND CAN BE and save US$1.00 off the regular
price. Only US$3.95 through the end of March.
Get yours today.
Southern Publishing Association
Where Value Counts
THE CHURCH-SERVANT TO THE WORLD
Introduction
Many books have been written about the church because, despite its faults, it
occupies an important place in society and in human lives. Yet the church remains a
"mystery" in the biblical sense, defying simple explanations. Since it partakes of the
nature of both the human and the divine, it is difficult to dissect it fully and lay bare all
its properties.
The lessons this quarter look at the church, including your church and mine, from
the viewpoint of the biblical revelation concerning it. We believe without shadow of
doubt that the Bible is the Word of God and that in it we find a true representation of
God's character and purpose and of His dealings with His people through the
centuries.
The view of the writer of these lessons is that the church can best be understood
and appreciated in the light of God's intelligence and love. God wanted a universe
that worshiped Him freely and with understanding. In order to have this He had to
allow even for freedom to choose the wrong. This involved a tremendous risk, which
was taken. Sin, in terms of misunderstanding God and misusing His entrusted
properties, did indeed arise. The church is a key part of God's great plan to vindicate
His character and to take away sin without detracting from the freedom which God's
love requires in the universe.
The church exists wherever we find God's people, from the beginning of time to the
present and on into eternity. But in these lessons we are thinking of the church
primarily in terms of God's activity after the birth of Jesus.
The first lesson emphasizes that God is in control in every situation. Sin, whether in
heaven or on earth, did not take, Him by surprise. He had a plan to meet it, one
consistent with His justice and replete with His mercy. The church is part of that plin,
being the arena and means of His activity.
We see that the church is based on a firm foundation—Jesus Christ, the Son of the
Living God, recognized and made known by divine revelation. Jesus Christ has built
the church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. The agency for bringing the
benefits of the Father and the Son to the New Testament church is the Holy Spirit, as
promised by Jesus to His disciples. (See John 14 through 17.)
How can we recognize the church? What are its characteristics? We will seek
answers to these questions in Scripture. We will notice that the church is best
understood in terms of relationships. Yet no purely human relationship can encom-
pass all that is involved.
One aspect of the church is the tension between its call to holiness and its
involvement in sin. To emphasize the one without denying the other is important. Can
we do that? How can a ChriStian be a saint and a sinner at the same time? Do we need
to redefine our terms?
No area of church life is more debated than that of its structure. Structure and
organization it must have. But what should be its lines of authority? Unfortunately,
history has not shown the church at its best, because emphasis on hierarchy has
sometimes taken the place of service. Is there a way that we can have order and yet
not reduce the spirit? Can we involve all members of the church, and not merely the
clergy, in organization? These and other questions reveal the importance of our
subject.
May God grant that in the study of these lessons we will discover our role in the
church and by our faithfulness cooperate more fully with God's plans.
God Still in Control
LESSON 1
❑
Sunday
December 28
Part 1
FREEDOM
TO SIN
How did sin enter the universe?
"How you have fallen from heaven,
0 morning star, son of the dawn!
You have been cast down to the earth,
you who once laid low the nations!" (Isa. 14:12, NIV).
When we look at the universe of which we are a part, there is
much that can be characterized by sweetness and light. But
there is also much that is ugly and hateful. How has this come
about?
Many answers have been given, among them these:
1.
The universe is evolving; it is progressing from the simple
to the complex. Many mistakes are made on the way, but in time
perfection will be reached.
2.
The universe was created by an inferior god—a
demiurge—who, because of his imperfection, created an imper-
fect world.
3.
The universe is composed of two conflicting principles—
good and evil—that will last throughout eternity. We shall al-
ways see them in conflict.
Are both creationism and evolutionism expressions of
faith?
The fact is that science cannot tell us how the world began.
Philosophy can present us with only theories. Only a revelation
by One who was present at the beginning—One who is above
and beyond the universe—can inform us about origins.
The Christian believes that such a revelation exists and that it
is to be found in the Bible. There he finds these truths:
1.
God is perfect and all good (Ps. 89:5-18).
2.
Everything He creates is very good (Gen. 1:31).
3.
Sin entered the universe and has brought all our woe (Gen.
3:17-24).
How sin could enter a perfect being is hard to understand. No
reason can be given for sin. But one thing is clear: God has
given His created beings the freedom to choose sin. (See Gen.
2:17; 3:11.)
In only one way could God prevent sin from entering the
universe: He could limit freedom. But in doing so He would have
created beings who were no better than machines—
automatons who could not worship freely or love indepen-
dently.
In what ways do you think personal freedom is worth all the
risks involved?
John 8:44-51; Matt. 25:41-46;
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp.
33-43.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
10
God Still in Control
LESSON 1
❑
Monday
December 29
Part 2
How did our first parents exercise their choice in the Garden
CHOOSING of Eden?
TO SIN
"When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good to
eat, and that it was pleasing to the eye and tempting to con-
template, she took some and ate it. She also gave her hus-
band some and he ate it" (Gen. 3:6, NEB).
With one exception, Adam and Eve were free to eat from any
tree in the garden. They were not to eat from the "tree of the
knowledge of good and evil" (Gen. 2:17).
The reason for this restriction was that they might continue to
live in peace and joy. Death would be the consequence of eating
of the forbidden tree. No real hardship was involved. But the
tree symbolized the exercise of their freedom; they could obey
God and live or disobey Him and die.
Do you think God could have prevented sin from entering the
world had He not placed the tree of the knowledge of good and
evil in the garden? To think so would be incorrect, because sin
had already entered the universe through Lucifer. Also, the
absence of the tree would have meant an absence of choice.
God decided that our first parents must have freedom of
choice. By exercising this freedom in the right way, a loving
relationship would exist between the Creator and man. Man's
dedication and worship would be meaningful.
How did our first parents fall into sin? 1 Tim. 2:14.
Eve admitted that she had been deceived by the serpent.
Adam placed the blame on the woman and, indirectly, on God.
(See Gen. 3:12, 13.)
Adam listened to his wife and placed his desire to be with her
above obedience to God. (See verse 17.) Thus he made a choice
which brought the consequences of sin.
All true freedom involves restriction. The law of love must
govern all of God's creation. Only then can His created beings
interact with mutual confidence. Only then can perfect harmony
prevail. But the moment one rejects the provisions of the God of
order, chaos must result. And since God cannot permit continu-
ing chaos, a decision to live out of harmony with God's laws
means final extinction.
THINK IT THROUGH
Give examples showing the connection between freedom
and careful observance of law.
FURTHER STUDY
1
John 3:4; James 1:15; Rom. 6:23; 5:12;
Patriarchs and
Prophets,
pp. 52-62.
11
2-A.L. 1-81
God Still in Control
LESSON 1
❑
Tuesday
December 30
Part 3
RESPONDING
TO SIN
How did God respond to man's sinful condition?
"And the Lord God said, 'The man has now become like one
of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach
out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live
forever' " (Gen. 3:22, NIV).
God cannot condone evil in any part of His universe. (See
Hab. 1:13.) The time must come when all evil will be eradicated.
Meanwhile God is considerate of His creatures. For Adam and
Eve He made garments of skin. (See Gen. 3:21.) These were far
more adequate than the aprons of fig leaves our first parents
hurriedly put together when they realized they were naked. The
whole world would be changed as a result of the curse of sin.
They would need something to shield them.
What words of God gave our first parents hope for One
who—even though it caused Him to suffer—would crush the
serpent's head? Gen. 3:15.
Our first parents now realized that they had been wholly
mistaken in supposing that God had withheld anything that
would contribute to their happiness and development. The ser-
pent had been wholly wrong in his accusations against God.
Now they could see God as He really was—a God of love, a
forgiving God, a God not taken by surprise by what had hap-
pened in the garden, a God prepared for the salvation of Adam
and Eve should it be necessary. (See 1 Peter 1:20).
How does Paul refer to God's grace in relation to man's sin?
Rom. 5:20.
We are always aware of the heinousness of sin, but are we
also aware that God's grace can bring victory over even the
greatest sins?
We all regret the havoc that sin has caused through the
centuries. We often wish that it had never reared its ugly head.
But since it did, God found it necessary to vindicate His charac-
ter. He had to show that sin was neither impossible to forgive
nor impossible to overcome. In His provision for man's salvation
He has gone to a limit of self-sacrifice that is totally beyond our
comprehension.
THINK IT THROUGH
Consider God's banishment of Adam and Eve from the gar-
den as an expression of God's love.
FURTHER STUDY
Isa. 53:5; 1 John 3:5-8; Rom. 5:8, 9;
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 63-70.
12
God Still in Control
LESSON 1
❑
Wednesday
December 31
Part 4
On what basis could God expect His people to keep His
PEOPLE commandments?
AND
PROPHETS
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out
of the land of slavery" (Ex. 20:2, NIV).
God was well aware of the misery of the children of Israel in
Egypt. (See Ex. 3:7.) He had chosen Moses to bring them out. He
had performed many miracles, and now they stood before Sinai.
Since He had done so much for them, could He expect them to
respond in obedience to His laws?
What are the characteristics of a covenant?
The making of a covenant involves two parties: one may be
the initiator, and the other the acceptor. At Mount Sinai God
made a covenant with His people. He said to them: These are My
requirements. The people responded: "We will do everything
the Lord has said; we will obey" (Ex. 24:7, NIV). The covenant
was ratified with blood so that it was binding (verse 8).
Unfortunately, the people did not keep their part of the cov-
enant. Even Aaron was involved in the making of a golden calf
for their worship. (See Ex. 32:1-8.) The promises man makes are
as weak as ropes of sand.
Hence it was necessary to draw attention to a "new"
covenant—an everlasting covenant based on the promises of
God. (See Jer. 31:31-34.) Only this kind of covenant could be
effective, because man had only to accept the provisions made
for him and God would do the rest. Once again we see God
adapting Himself to man's needs in order that man might be
saved.
In trying to keep His people doing the right things, what
instruments did God use? Hosea 6:5.
God's people did not live up to the light they had, in spite of
the instruction they received and the warnings that were sent to
them. God was anxious that His people would be blessed and be
a blessing to those who lived around them. But they failed so
often that God had to permit their captivity.
After their return from Babylon, the people for a time were
zealous to build the temple and obey God's laws. But soon even
this slacked off, and for 400 years God did not communicate
with His people through prophets.
THINK IT THROUGH
What alternatives were available to God when His people
did not respond to His overtures of love?
FURTHER STUDY
Deut. 4:1-6, 9; Hosea 2:14-23; 4:1, 2, 6; 8:12; 11:3;
Prophets
and Kings,
pp. 109-116; 570-581.
13
God Still in Control
LESSON 1
❑
Thursday
January 1
Part 5
GOD
WITH US
What conditions must Messiah meet to be "with us"?
" 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and
they will call him Immanuel'—which means, 'God with us'"
(Matt. 1:23,
N
IV).
And when Immanuel came, how was He received? In the
parable of the tenants, Jesus told of the landowner who planted
a vineyard, and at the time appointed for the harvest he sent his
servants to collect the fruit from the tenants. But the tenants
killed the servants. They later killed the landowner's son, who
also had come to collect the fruit. (See Matt. 21:33-41.)
What was the meaning of the parable of the tenants? Mark
12:1-12.
In this parable Jesus "pointed to the rich blessings bestowed
upon Israel, and in these showed God's claim to their obedi-
ence. He set before them the glory of God's purpose, which
through obedience they might have fulfilled. Withdrawing the
veil from the future, He showed how, by failure to fulfill His pur-
pose, the whole nation was forfeiting His blessing, and bringing
ruin upon itself."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
p. 284.
Jesus was the One now coming to the children of Israel
expecting faithful stewardship. But when He came to His own,
His own people rejected Him. (See John 1:11.) Jesus therefore
announced the solemn judgment that the kingdom of God
would be taken away from them and given to a people who
would produce the necessary fruit. (See Matt. 21:43.)
What caused the Old Testament prophets to fail in their
mission?
The prophets failed to accomplish God's purposes through
them, not through any fault of their own, but because the chil-
dren of Israel rejected the messages from God. Now Jesus, as
God's unique Son, came to give a message of God's love. Would
the children of Israel accept Him? The gospel story, told four
times over, indicates how tragically the Jewish people turned
against Him. (See Matt. 16:18.)
And thus the church is born and a new era sets in. An associa-
tion of men and women from every race rather than from one
people, it will be God's chosen agency to witness to His love and
favor and to the supreme sacrifice made for man's salvation.
Will the church fail to do its task?
THINK IT THROUGH
Will the church succeed where Israel failed in working out
God's purposes for the world?
FURTHER STUDY
Mark 1:9-11; Acts 10:38; Luke 4:14-22;
Christ's Object Les-
sons,
"The Lord's Vineyard," pp. 284-306.
14
God Still in Control
LESSON 1
❑
Friday
January 2
Part 6
INTO ALL
THE WORLD
What did God seek to accomplish by sending His Son into
the world?
"God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the
world, but to save the world through him" (John 3:17, NIV).
Jesus has made every provision for man's salvation. He is
anxious that every person have the opportunity of making a
choice leading to salvation. Therefore He set up an organization
that would proceed to evangelize the world. This organization
was first composed of a group of His disciples, whom He com-
missioned to go into all the world and preach the gospel. (See
Matt. 28:19, 20.)
What program of outreach was entrusted to the disciples?
Acts 1:8.
This group of disciples was to tarry in Jerusalem until they
should be endued with power—the power of the Holy Spirit.
Then they were to go to Jerusalem, Samaria, and to the "utter-
most part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
Thus a new era began. God was to work through men and
women from among both Jews and Gentiles, representing every
nation, kindred, tongue, and people. This group was to have a
new foundation, Jesus Christ. It was to grow out of the Jewish
faith, as represented in the Old Testament, but it was to be
distinct from it. It was to be the era of the church.
The church is thus the means. God is using to reach men and
women in their need for a Saviour. He has promised it His
presence and has given to it His authority.
What figure of speech is used to indicate the care and
protection that Jesus gives to His church? Rev. 1:12-20.
The seven messages given to the seven churches indicate
Christ's concern for His people. He wants to be sure they do not
lose their first love. (See Rev. 2:4.) He commends them when
they are "faithful unto death" (verse 10). He desires that they
separate themselves from all heresy and all immorality (verse
14). He knows when they are dying, and He wants them to wake
up and strengthen what is about to die. (See Rev. 3:2.)
For Him the church is not only the object of His supreme
regard but also the agent of reconciliation and the means of
preparing a world for His second coming. The church can best
be understood in this context—the context of God's activity and
man's response.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the basis for the assurance that the church will yet
achieve God's purpose in the world?
FURTHER STUDY
Mark 16:15; Rom. 1:16; Matt. 24:14; Isa. 52:7; Ps. 126:6.
15
LESSON 2 January 4-10
"Other foundation can no man lay
than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ"
(1 Cor. 3:11).
Jesus taught that the wise man
builds his house upon a rock—a solid
foundation. (See Matt. 7:24.) Only in
this way can he be sure that his house
can withstand the force of wind and
rain and flood. The same principle is
true for the church; only as it is
soundly based can it be expected to
stand up to all the opposition it is
likely to receive, and having done all,
to stand.
Jesus is everything to the church:
He is the Founder and Builder, the
Source of life and power. Because of
who He is, He is the Rock on which
the church is built.
Many people will recognize that
Jesus was a great teacher on earth.
They will place Him in the line of the
great prophets. But they fail to
recognize Him as the Son of God,
they ignore His Deity. Because of this
they fail to see the significance of His
life, and they deny fhe reality of the
resurrection. Consequently, they fail
to appreciate the importance of the
church of which He is the
foundation.
A recognition of who Jesus is does
not come by human reasoning. It
depends on a revelation from God. It
comes to those whose minds are
open to the evidence and who are
willing to accept the implications of
the truth presented. Blessed is the
one who has received the insights
that only a revelation can give.
To see Jesus as the Rock upon
which one can build all one's hopes
and to see Him as the Cornerstone of
the church which He Himself will
build helps us to understand the
importance of the church and the
power available to us through it.
Nothing can prevail against the
church, neither death nor all the
forces of the evil one. Death is an
enemy that seems able to overcome
every one of us; but through Christ
and the resurrection we can all shout
with praise: 0 death, where is your
sting? 0 grave, where is your victory?
Because of this power in the church,
martyrs have willingly given up their
lives, and their death has been the
seed of the church.
The authority granted to the
church is staggering: the keys of the
kingdom. Can it be true that there is
binding and loosing? That what is
done on earth is confirmed by
decree in heaven? At first sight this
may seem to be an authority that
could be abused. And perhaps in
times past the church has exerted an
authority beyond what has been
granted it. But the divine purpose for
the church is not to lord it over
people and decide their destinies.
Rather, the church on earth should
be in such close touch with the plans
and purposes of God in heaven that
there is unity of thought and
operation. The church cannot ever
be boastful of its position. But it can
be positive as it takes its stand for
revealed truth, and people may
decide their fate as they take their
stand with the church or against it.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Inadequate Answers
(Matt. 16:14)
2.
A Basic Confession
(Matt. 16:16)
3.
Truth Revealed
(Matt. 16:17)
4.
The Rock Foundation
(Matt. 16:18)
5.
Power to Survive
(Matt. 16:18)
6.
Authority Confirmed
(Matt. 16:19)
Built on the Rock
LESSON 2
❑
Sunday
January 4
Part 1
In what different ways did some Jews identify Jesus of
INADEQUATE Nazareth?
ANSWERS
"And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist:
some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets"
(Matt. 16:14).
These statements came in answer to Christ's question to His
disciples. He was about to tell them of His coming sufferings.
"Before doing this, He gave them an opportunity of confessing
their faith in Him that they might be strengthened for the coming
trial. He asked, 'Whom do men say that I the Son of man
am?'
"—The Desire of Ages,
p. 411.
Let us look at the answers given and their implications:
John the Baptist: John
the Baptist was well known because a
large part of the population of Judea—including Sadducees and
Pharisees and people in Jerusalem—had gone out to hear him
and had confessed their sins. (See Mark 1:5; Matt. 3:6, 7.) John
had been put to death as a result of an embarrassing request
made by Herod's wife and her daughter. (See Matt. 14:6-9.) It
was Herod who told his servants that he thoughtJesus wasJohn
risen from the dead (verse 2). But the people should have known
otherwise. For one thing, their genealogy was different, and
people knew Jesus' family connection. (See Matt. 13:55.) Fur-
thermore, John had pointed out Jesus as the Lamb of God. (See
John 1:29.)
Elias:
This is Elijah, a highly regarded prophet among the
Jews. To associate Jesus with Elijah was thought to be a com-
pliment. Elijah had been translated to heaven, and presumably
he had now returned to earth. Furthermore, Malachi had prom-
ised that Elijah would come before "the great and dreadful day
of the Lord" (Mal. 4:5). But Elijah was not the Messiah, although
it was thought that he would be the precursor. Calling Jesus
Elijah might be an honor, but it was not the real identification. In
fact, John the Baptist had fulfilled the role of Elijah.
Jeremias:
This is an interesting answer, because it may indi-
cate an association of the message of Jesus with Jeremiah's
promise of a new covenant. (See Jer. 31:31-33.) What it does not
indicate is that Jesus is more than His message. He is the Maker
of the new covenant.
One of the prophets:
The indefiniteness of this suggestion is
an apparent refusal to think any further. There is a willingness to
recognize in Jesus the authority of a prophet, but no more. On
the other hand, the suggestion may have reference to
Deuteronomy 18:15-19, in which case it would be more to the
point. Jesus would then be
the prophet
(John 7:40)—the one to
whom the people of Israel should listen.
THINK IT THROUGH
Does the Messiahship of Jesus require His divinity?
FURTHER STUDY
Micah 5:2; Luke 1:35; John 10:30; Rev. 22:12, 13.
18
Built on the Rock
LESSON 2
❑
Monday
January 5
Part 2
What response did Peter give to the question Jesus asked?
A BASIC
CONFESSION
"Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the
Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:16).
Jesus now turned to the disciples and asked them to state
their understanding of Him and His ministry. Peter spoke up—
Peter, who was always sure of himself, always ready to commit
himself. He not only expressed a personal conviction, but he
also voiced the conviction of his fellow disciples.
Early in the ministry of Jesus, what was the witness of John
the Baptist to the Messiahship of Jesus? John 1:34.
Andrew was one of the two who followed Jesus afterJohn had
pointed out the Lamb of God (verses 37, 40); and it was Andrew
who told his brother Simon, "We have found the Messias"
(verse 41). When Peter first met Jesus, he was told, "Thou shalt
be called Cephas" (verse 42).
Cephas
is the Aramaic for
"stone," or in the Greek,
Petros,
from which we get the English
Peter.
As the Messiah, Jesus would have roots in the Old Testament
prophecies. He was the Son of David. He was to restore the
kingdom of Israel. His reign would usher in an everlasting king-
dom of peace that would not only rival the kingship of David and
Solomon, but would outshine it in glory and power.
What evidence is there of the limited understanding of the
disciples as to the nature and timing of Christ's kingdom? Acts
1:6.
Peter and his fellow disciples would doubtless have some of
these thoughts coursing through their minds. Did they have a
true concept of what Jesus was going to do? This is very doubt-
ful, because even after the resurrection they were still thinking
in terms of a kingdom on earth that might overthrow the hated
Roman Empire.
But the assertion that Jesus was the Christ was nevertheless
true, and that He was the "Son of the living God" was a recogni-
tion of His origin and authority that left no room for doubt. Here
is a basic understanding about Jesus of Nazareth. No other
concept is adequate. Because Jesus is the Son of
God,
He can
speak with authority and reach down to man. Because He is the
Son of
man,
He is able to draw men up to God.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why is it fortunate that OUR ideas of truth do not decide
what is the truth?
FURTHER STUDY
Heb. 1:8; Matt. 3:17; Col. 2:9; John 1:1-14;
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 132-143.
19
Built on the Rock
LESSON 2
❑
Tuesday
January 6
Part 3
What did Jesus say was the basis of Peter's inspired state-
TRUTH ment?
REVEALED
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou,
Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto
thee, but my Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 16:17).
Peter had not arrived at his conclusions about Jesus merely
by human reasoning. No human being had persuaded him. He
did not have to acknowledge his indebtedness to any scholar or
religious leader. His insight came as a revelation from God.
In common with Peter, how dependent are all men upon
divine revelation for a saving knowledge of God? Heb. 1:1-3.
Jesus is telling Peter, his fellow disciples, and all those who
will follow His teaching that the Source of their insights and
understandings is God. Human reasoning can lead men astray,
even as it did the Jewish leaders of Christ's time. Reason and
scholarship both have their place in the search for truth; but,
when all is said and done, we can know about God and His
plans, about Jesus Christ and His part in man's salvation, only
through revelation.
What do the following texts tell of God's willingness to re-
veal Himself to us individually and personally? Deut. 30:11-14;
Ps. 85:9; 145:18; Deut. 29:29.
Peter's experience was not an isolated occurrence. God is
willing and ready to reveal Himself to all who will accept His
revelation. To know Him does not require a dream, a vision, or
any supernatural manifestation. The Word of God is near to
every one of us.
No greater joy exists than that of knowing the truth. Such
knowledge provides a sense of stability. By contrast, the one
who is not sure of where he came from or where he is going, of
whether the God of the universe is friendly or not, of how to
decide between right and wrong—such a man lives in a con-
stant state of fear and uncertainty. He may even be lonely and
frustrated. "Blessed art thou," said Jesus to Peter, because now
he knew what was right. And not only he, but all the disciples of
Jesus. (See Matt. 13:16.) Before certain knowledge there must
be a willingness to hear (2 Cor. 8:12) and a willingness to do
(John 7:17).
THINK IT THROUGH
What truths presented by the church, if any, would you
consider dependent on time and culture?
FURTHER STUDY
Deut. 8:3; John 6:32, 33, 35, 57, 58, 63; Jer. 15:16; John 5:39,
40;
Steps to Christ,
"What to Do With Doubt," pp. 105-113.
20
Built on the Rock
LESSON 2
❑
Wednesday
January 7
Part 4
In addressing Peter, what did Jesus say was His plan?
THE ROCK
FOUNDATION
"I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock
I will build my church" (Matt. 16:18).
This verse has been construed many different ways. We will
study it and try to understand it in its context.
First of all, Jesus refers to Peter's additional name. Peter had
been named Simon (Greek form), or Simeon (Hebrew form). He
was the son of Jona and so was known as Simon (Simeon)
Bar-Jona, or son of Jona.
In what setting did Peter receive the nameCephas (Aramaic
for "stone"), which in Greek would be
Petros,
a masculine
Greek form of
Petra,
meaning "rock"? John 1:42.
Why did Jesus do this? The Gospels do not give us a clue. The
context of the first meeting suggests that Jesus was establish-
ing a friendly rapport. Perhaps He was laying the foundation for
a future relationship. Jesus established a personal tie with every
individual. Does this tell us something about the relationship of
Jesus to every church member?
Perhaps Jesus saw in Simon the characteristics of a rolling
stone. (See
The Desire of Ages,
p. 413.) The name Peter would
then be a kind of nickname used in love and appreciation. If this
is the case, then we see how Jesus looks at us. He sees us, not so
much for what we are, but for what we might become by His
grace.
What is the connection between the name Peter and the
rock on which Jesus says He will build His church? Matt.
16:18-23; 1 Cor. 3:11.
Obviously Jesus would not build His church on an
individual—even one as good as Peter. Peter had some excel-
' lent characteristics, perhaps suggested by the name Peter; but
he also had some outstanding weaknesses. (See Matt. 16:23;
26:34; Gal: 2:11-13.) Paul sees with masterful insight that Jesus
is Himself the foundation of the church.
Peter made a basic confession that Jesus was the Christ, the
Son of the Living God. This is the basic confession to be made
by every member of the church. Such an acknowledgment is a
rock that cannot be moved. It is the basis of every true doctrine
and of every proper relationship between disciple and Lord, as
Peter indicated in his epistle. (See 1 Peter 2:4-9.)
THINK IT THROUGH
In view of the description of the church as built on a rock,
what characteristics may we expect to find in the church?
FURTHER STUDY
Matt. 7:24-29; Num. 20:7-13; 1 Cor. 10:4;
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 412-414.
21
Built on the Rock
LESSON 2
❑
Thursday
January 8
Part 5
What assurance is given that the church will be able to sur-
POWER TO vive?
SURVIVE
"The gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18).
The Greek word translated "hell" is
hades
and means the
same as the Hebrew
sheol—the
grave, the abode of the dead.
Modern versions bring this thought out: "the powers of death
shall not prevail against it" (RSV); "the powers of death shall
never conquer it" (NEB). What is indicated here is that the
church cannot be restricted or contained by death.
Furthermore, the resurrection of Jesus ensures the resurrec-
tion of every believer. Thus death is not a barrier to enjoying
fellowship with Christ throughout eternity.
How have true Christians looked at death? Rev. 14:13;
12:11.
Many have looked upon death as a release from the woes of
this present world. When threatened with death, they preferred
to die rather than to give up their faith. Thus the church grew as
persecution increased, and it was truly said that the "blood of
martyrs is the seed of the church."
What could be more frustrating to the enemies of the church
than that the strongest weapon available against man—
death—is useless? Dan. 3:16-18; 1 Cor. 15:54, 55.
No wonder that the devil is angry (Rev. 12:12) and the mem-
bers of the church are victorious. No wonder that all heaven
rejoices to see men and women faithful to their Lord and Master
even
unto death.
Death is the wages of sin. The gift of God is eternal life.
Therefore all those who renounce sin and accept the provision
God has made for their salvation have no fear of death. In Christ
the church never ceases to exist. Men may come and men may
go, but the church goes on forever.
The spirit of the church is exemplified in the words of Latimer
to Ridley when both men were being tied to the stake for their
faith: "Be of good comfort, we shall this day light such a candle,
by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out."—
Works of Hugh Latimer, vol.
1, p. xiii; quoted in
The Great
Controversy,
p. 249.
THINK IT THROUGH
If you wanted to overturn the church, what method would
you try other than threatening believers with death?
FURTHER STUDY
Ps. 23:4; Rom. 8:35, 37.
22
Built on the Rock
LESSON 2
Friday
January 9
Part 6
What extraordinary powers did Jesus extend to His church?
AUTHORITY
CONFIRMED
"I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and
whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven:
and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in
heaven" (Matt. 16:19).
Since Jesus delegated this same authority to the disciples on
a later occasion (Matt. 18:18; John 20:23), no one should sup-
pose that it was limited to Peter.
Keys certainly imply authority—ability to open and close
doors. But when we consider that this authority is controlled by
Heaven, the likelihood of arbitrariness or injustice is lessened.
How might one view the claim that Peter alone opened the
doors of the kingdom to the crowds assembled at Pentecost
and to those at the home of Cornelius? Acts 2:14; 10:44.
Peter definitely took a leading role at Pentecost and later
opened doors of faith to Gentiles and Jews (Acts 2:14-47; 10;
11:1-18). He was not alone in leadership, however, and in some
areas other disciples carried the gospel "keys." When people
hear the gospel and accept it, their sins are forgiven; and thus
they are loosed from the condemnation of death. If, however,
the hearers reject the testimony given them, they are still bound
in their sins.
What is the relationship between knowledge of truth and
responsibility for truth? John 9:41.
Jesus made it clear to the Pharisees that a person who is blind
cannot be held responsible for what he does not see. But if a
person sees and says that he sees, then he is responsible for
responding properly to what he has seen.
Why did Jesus tell His disciples not to make it known that He
was the Messiah? (See Matt. 16:20.)
There are apparently times when truths held by the church
should not be openly discussed because of prejudice, unbelief,
and other hindrances. Timing can be a key factor in the prog-
ress of "present truth."
THINK IT THROUGH
Why is being brutally frank seldom, if ever, a Christian vir-
tue?
FURTHER STUDY
2 Tim. 2:22; Heb. 12:14; Rom. 14:19;
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 161-165.
23
LESSON 3 January 11-17
"The promise is unto you, and to
your children, and to all that are afar
off, even as many as the Lord our God
shall call" (Acts
2:39).
The church is basically the group
of people which has responded
when God has called.
The Bible makes it clear that God
takes the initiative in calling. Thus
when Adam and Eve had sinned, it
was God who came into the garden
and called them (Gen. 3:9). He does
not forsake people in their sins. He
does not take delight in the
destruction of the wicked (Eze.
33:11).
God saw the affliction of the
children of Israel in Egypt and called
a leader to care for their interests (Ex.
3:4-10). Later on God called Moses to
go to the top of Mount Sinai to
receive instructions (Ex. 19:20). God
called Aaron and Miriam to give them
a rebuke (Num. 12:5). When God
called Cyrus to a special task, He
called him by his name, thus
indicating a personal relationship
and revealing God's intimate
knowledge of every individual (Isa.
45:1-3).
In New Testament times Jesus
called His disciples in a direct and
personal way (Mark 2:14, 15). He
even gave a special name to
Peter—Cephas—a name that was
later to have special significance
(John 1:42). Peter in his letter says
that we are all called "unto his
eternal glory" (1 Peter 5:10).
However, Jesus warned that many
are called but few are chosen. All are
called, but not all respond to the call
(Matt. 20:16; 22:14). Here is where
man's responsibility comes in; he
needs to answer the call.
In the lesson this week we see how
God has called certain individuals
with a special purpose in mind. We
see Abraham called to leave his
family and friends and a city that was
wholly devoted to false worship. We
see his descendants being called to
be a special people for God. We see
that God's call to people results in
great blessing to them, because they
are called out of the darkness of
ignorance into the light of the
gospel. We see how Jesus called His
disciples and how one did not accept
the call because he felt it involved
too much hardship and sacrifice.
God's call is to service, and He
desires that we walk worthy of the
calling by which we are called.
Only the love of Christ, implanted
in the believer's heart, can bring into
the life that fine balance between
being
in
the world and not being
of
the world. Christ's purity was
unstained, yet He was not aloof from
sinners.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
To Leave the World
(Heb. 11:8)
2.
To Be God's People
(Ex. 19:5)
3.
From Darkness to Light
(1 Peter
2:9)
4.
To Be Disciples
(John 1:43)
5.
Called to Serve
(Matt. 10:1)
6.
To Walk Worthily
(1 Thess. 2:12)
The Called of God
LESSON 3
❑
Sunday
January 11
Part 1
TO LEAVE
THE WORLD
THINK IT THROUGH
In preparing Abraham to be a witness for Him, what did God
ask him to do?
"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place
which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and
he went out, not knowing whither he went" (Heb. 11:8).
In the days of Abraham, God had to make a new beginning.
Although idolatry and rebellion in the building of the Tower of
Babel had been checked by the confusion of languages (Gen.
11:1-7), idolatry was once again becoming widespread; and
even the family of Abraham was being influenced by the hea-
thenism all around.
In order to preserve the true faith, God called Abraham out of
his home country to go to a land where he would be a stranger.
There he could witness to the true God and provide an example
of true worship. Abraham obeyed, although in doing so he did
not know where following the call would lead him. He exercised
an exemplary faith, which was to be the secret of success in all
his relations with God.
In this experience note the following:
1.
God takes the initiative. It is God who calls; men and women
merely follow instructions.
2.
God has a plan and a purpose. He wants to preserve a knowl-
edge of truth.
3.
God uses the human instrument to achieve His objectives.
4.
God does not always reveal the details of His plans. Man
must act in faith, trusting God all the way.
5.
The result of trusting obedience is a life of blessing.
What promise does God make to those who hear His call
and obey it? Isa. 41:8-10.
The promise is made to Israel and the descendants of Abra-
ham in particular, but it applies to all who obey God. Unfortu-
nately the children of Israel did not live up to their privileges,
and they were rejected as a people (not as individuals). Now it is
those who truly accept Christ who are heirs of all the promises.
(See Rom. 10:9-13; Gal. 3:29.)
Is it always necessary to leave home in order to witness for
God? What must a person be willing to leave in order to
receive a proper preparation for witnessing?
We must not allow the love of the world to come between us
and God.
FURTHER STUDY
Gen. 12:1-8; 13:1-4, 14-18; 17:1-8;
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 125-131.
26
The Called of
God
LESSON 3
❑
Monday
January 12
Part 2
What does God want us to be in relation to Him?
TO BE
GOD'S
"If ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant,
PEOPLE then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people:
for all the earth is mine" (Ex. 19:5).
God wants a special people to whom and through whom He
can reveal truth and salvation. He is the owner of all the earth; so
in a sense all people are His. But He desires a special group
which will enjoy a special relationship with Him. This group of
people will be obedient to His commands and will accept the
terms of a mutual agreement whereby they and all mankind will
be benefited.
What does God say He will do for His people? Deut. 7:13-15.
God is in a position to give us more than we can ask or think.
(See Eph. 3:20.) There is only one condition—accept His author-
ity. When we recognize that God is God, it is foolish to go
contrary to His wishes. When we know that God is love, we have
no need to question His demands or wishes. It becomes a
privilege to accept His promises and serve Him.
What does God expect of His people? 1 Peter 2:9-12.
God's people cannot engage in anything that defiles their
characters. They are to be a holy people—that is, a people set
apart for and by God. They must reflect God's holiness. (See
1 Peter 1:16.)
"Satan is using every means to make crime and debasing vice
popular. We cannot walk the streets of our cities without en-
countering flaring notices of crime presented in some novel, or
to be acted at some theater. The mind is educated to familiarity
with sin. The course pursued by the base and vile is kept before
the people in the periodicals of the day, and everything that can
excite passion is brought before them in exciting stories. . . .
"Many of the amusements popular in the world today, even
with those who claim to be Christians, tend to the same end as
did those of the heathen. There are indeed few among them that
Satan does not turn to account in destroying souls."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 459.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why do some people consider it a hardship to be separate
from the world? What compensations come to the righteous?
FURTHER STUDY
Ex. 19:1-8; Deut. 14:2; 1 Peter 1:1-9;
Christ's Object Lessons,
"The Lord's Vineyard," pp. 288-293; 296-301.
27
3-A.L. 1-81
The Called of
God
LESSON 3
❑
Tuesday
January 13
Part 3
What contrast exists between those in the church and those
FROM DARK- outside it?
NESS
TO LIGHT
"Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy
nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the
praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his
marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9).
To be in darkness is to be in a state of ignorance. It is to live a
life in which one has inklings of right and wrong but no certain
knowledge—in which one may speculate as to his origin but can
never be sure. It is a life in which one's destiny is also in doubt—
in which pain and suffering have reality but no meaning. Since
man is a reasoning creature, he finds such a life frustrating. In
his efforts to know the truth about himself and the world in
which he lives, he finds confusion.
By contrast, God has called a people to come out of ignor-
ance, leaving behind all frustration and despair. These people
now live in an atmosphere of understanding which is likened to
wonderful light. God has revealed to them where they have
come from, why there is conflict, what is right and what is
wrong, how they can be freed from guilt and its burden, and the
glorious destiny He has in store for them and for all who will
believe. Life now has meaning and challenge.
Furthermore, they know what God is like, because they see
Him in Jesus Christ and feel constrained to love and worship
Him. They also know that in Christ they can have power to
overcome sin and enjoy lives of usefulness and dignity.
How does Peter contrast the Christian with the non-
Christian? 1 Peter 2:10.
To be among the people of God means to have a sense of
belonging—to be part of an organization. It means to have a
sense of identity—to be part of a recognizable group. One
knows to whom he may go for help, where he may be "at home."
By contrast, some people outside the church have no group
to which they can relate with confidence. They are indi-
vidualized to such an extent that they feel they have to depend
on themselves wholly for everything in life. It is a lonely feeling, a
frustrating feeling of utter helplessness.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the source of light for the Christian? How can he be
sure that he does not walk in darkness?
FURTHER STUDY
Eph. 5:1-17; 1 Cor. 6:9-11;
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 363-
373.
28
The Called of God
LESSON 3
❑
Wednesday
January 14
Part 4
TO BE
DISCIPLES
When Jesus met those who were honestly seeking to know
God and His will, what did He ask them to do?
"The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and
findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me" (John 1:43).
When Jesus began His ministry, one of the first things He did
was to call, as followers, men who were seeking the kingdom.
Who were the first two to follow Jesus after John the Baptist
pointed out the "Lamb of God"? John 1:35-40.
The good news of finding the Messiah, Andrew brings to his
brother Peter. Philip brings the same to Nathanael, and thus is
formed a nucleus to which others are added.
The disciples were not learned men, but they were devout
men. They had been influenced by the teaching of John the
Baptist. They were students of the Old Testament and knew that
the Messiah should come. With this as a basis they were recep-
tive to the call. Their minds were open to light; and when they
saw the evidence that Jesus had to offer them, they left all and
followed Him. (See Matt. 4:18-22.)
Do we have an example of one who did not follow Jesus?
Mark 10:17-22.
To follow Jesus is to recognize Him for what He is. The early
disciples had no doubt that Jesus was the Messiah. They also
recognized His authority; and when they were invited to leave
their occupations and join Jesus in His ministry, they did not
hesitate but immediately conformed. They had many things yet
to learn of Jesus, but they placed themselves in the right envi-
ronment and listened to His teaching. They did not always
understand what Jesus had to say, but they asked questions.
Although they made mistakes, there was no question where
their loyalty lay. Thus they were able to fulfill God's purpose for
and through them.
By contrast, the young man who had great riches found it very
difficult to follow Jesus. His priority was on his possessions
rather than on doing the will of God. Jesus loved him (verse 21).
He was a young man anxious to do what was right. He appar-
ently had considerable self-control, keeping the command-
ments—outwardly, at least—all through his life. But he lacked
one thing; and, so far as we know, that one thing kept him out of
the kingdom.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can the dedication of Christ's true followers be mea-
sured? Why is it difficult to give up one's possessions?
FURTHER STUDY
Luke 14:25-27;
Steps to Christ,
"The Test of Discipleship," pp.
57-65.
29
The Called of God
LESSON 3
❑
Thursday
January 15
Part 5
CALLED
TO SERVE
What power and task did Jesus assign to His disciples?
"When he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave
them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to
heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease" (Matt.
10:1).
The disciples were not merely to follow Jesus and rejoice in
His presence. This might have been a pleasant experience, but it
would have been a selfish one. They were given power to do the
work Jesus had been doing—healing the sick, casting out dev-
ils, and announcing the advent of the kingdom of heaven. Since
they had received these things freely, they were to offer them to
others freely. (See Matt. 10:8.)
What instructions from the Lord were to guide His disciples
in their missionary journeys? Matt. 10:1-20.
The disciples were not to impose themselves on others, al-
though if they were welcomed they were to accept the hospital-
ity. They were not to make elaborate provisions for themselves,
because they were entitled to support for the service they of-
fered. They were to maintain a certain dignity in their work and a
sense of its importance, because God was behind it and would
remember those who rejected their ministry.
They were to do their work circumspectly, because there
would be those who would try to bring dishonor to their cause;
but they were not to be afraid if brought before councils and
governors and shamefully treated. They were not to worry about
what to say on such occasions, because the Holy Spirit would
give them words to speak. In other words, they were ambas-
sadors for Christ, and their testimony would be the basis of
judgment to those who heard them.
What is likely to result from the service of Christ's follow-
ers? Matt. 10:34-36.
Perhaps the hardest opposition to take is the persecution that
comes from members of one's own family. But the lesson Jesus
is teaching His disciples is that no earthly tie should separate
one from a wholehearted dedication to the service of God.
When it comes to our relationship to Him, this must take priority
over everything else.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why does the coming of the Prince of Peace so often mean
the bringing of a sword into human relationships?
FURTHER STUDY
Rom. 12:1; Eph. 6:1-9;
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 349-358.
30
The Called of
God
LESSON 3
❑
Friday
January 16
Part 6
How did Paul exhort the Thessalonians to behave?
TO WALK
WORTHILY
"That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you
unto his kingdom and glory" (1 Thess. 2:12).
Since God has graciously called us to share His kingdom and
His glory, it is only fitting that we live to show we deserve such
an honor.
Paul has already indicated to the Thessalonians what he
means by living lives worthy of God's call. (Read 1 Thess. 2:2-
11.) He himself had set the example:
1.
He had preached the gospel boldly, without error, with
perfectly pure motives, and without deceit (verse 3).
2.
He was not out to please men or to win their favor; he aimed
to please God, who alone is our righteous Judge (verse 4).
3.
He never used flattery; he did not pretend to be other than
he was. He did not work for personal gain or hide his motives
(verse 5).
4.
He did not seek the gifts of men or even their praise. In fact,
though he had every right as an apostle to be supported by
them, he scrupulously avoided being a burden (verse 6).
5.
He was solicitous of others' welfare and cared for them so
much that he was willing not only to share the good news with
them, but also to spend and be spent for their sake (verses 7, 8).
6.
He worked day and night, living a holy, righteous, and
blameless life. He was like a father in his constant care for his
spiritual children (verses 9-12).
What other characteristics does Paul enumerate as part of
being true to our calling? Eph. 4:1-3.
1.
Humility.
Being called by God is a great privilege, but we
have done nothing to deserve it. It should never be a basis for
pride.
2.
Gentleness.
This comes from a strong desire not to hurt
anyone. We recognize how fragile some aspects of life can be;
so we touch gently and lovingly.
3.
Patience.
People do not always act as they ought; they do
not react as quickly as we would like. Hence we need to be
patient. If we are truly loving, we can bear many things.
4.
Maintaining unity and peace.
How easy it is to quarrel and
fight. Blessed are the peacemakers and those who know how to
bring about peace between contending parties.
THINK IT THROUGH
What enables anyone to walk worthy of the calling with
which he has been called? (See Gal. 5:22, 23.)
FURTHER STUDY
Rev. 3:4; Col. 1:9-14;
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 255-268.
31
/ Marks of the Church
LESSON 4 January 18-24
"At that time there was a great
persecution against the church which
was at Jerusalem; and they were all
scattered abroad throughout the
regions of Judaea and Samaria, except
the apostles" (Acts 8:1).
If I look for the church, can I find
it? What are its basic characteristics?
These are the questions we seek to
answer in our lesson this week.
We will see that the church is
basically people—people who come
and go, people who congregate in
large numbers or in twos and threes,
people who act in certain definite
ways. •
Too often we think of the church as
a building, an institution, a
denomination. But the early church
did not have places set apart for
worship. While in Jerusalem, they
met in the temple. They worshiped in
the homes of the people (Acts 2:46;
3:1). In the homes they held
preaching services and prayer
meetings (Acts 5:42; 12:12). Thus we
must not think of the church as being
contained in a particular building.
When the church was scattered
because of persecution, it did not
cease to exist. The church is
wherever its members are. Where
there is a large number of members,
the church is large. Where two or
three are gathered together in His
name, Christ is in the midst to bless
(Matt. 18:20). Large or small, rich or
poor—these characteristics do not
make or mar the church.
The church has a location and a
name and is as visible as its members.
Both local and universal, it partakes
of the activity of God and the nature
of its members. That is why we look
at what church members do and
think. They represent the God who
has called them, and they do the
work God has called them to do.
In our lesson this week we see the
church as represented by those who
take the name of Christ. Their lives
and thoughts are bound up with
what Jesus has done for them.
For church members there is only
one basic truth—the truth as they see
it in Christ Jesus. He is the Way, the
Truth, and the Life. Such truth makes
them free, and they will be loyal to it
even unto death.
For the Christian, truth is not
merely something to be thought
about. It is a way of life. Christians
practice what they preach!
Christian living is not legalism. A
way of life, it involves the way of love.
We will see that love to God and man
involves a whole new set of values
and priorities. The life of the
Christian and the life of the one who
espouses the ways of the world are at
two opposite poles. Not that the
Christian thinks of himself as having
arrived. He is always seeking renewal
and reformation, always seeking to
accomplish God's plans and
purposes.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Confessing Jesus
(Acts 5:42)
2.
Loyal to Truth
(Eph. 4:25)
3.
Doers of the Word
(James 1:22)
4.
Reacting in Love
(John 13:35)
5.
Seeking Revival
(Ps. 85:6, 7)
6.
Doing God's Work
(John 17:4)
Marks of the Church
LESSON 4
❑
Sunday
January 18
Part 1
What was the message of the apostles after Pentecost?
CONFESSING
JESUS
"Daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to
teach and preach Jesus Christ" (Acts 5:42).
By personal experience the apostles were convinced that
Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah foretold in the Old Testa-
ment. He was born in Bethlehem as Micah had foretold (Micah
5:2). He was born of a virgin as Isaiah had predicted (Isa. 7:14;
Matt. 1:23). He was Emmanuel—God with us—and His name,
Jesus, indicated that He was the One who would save His people
from their sins (Matt. 1:21-23). He had come "unto his own, and
his own received him not" (John 1:11), but all those who had
accepted His claims were given "power to become the sons of
God" (verse 12).
When this same Jesus had been crucified on the cross,
what act of God made Him "to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to
give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins"? (Acts.
5:31).
Not only were the apostles witnesses to Christ's sacrifice, but
the Holy Spirit also testified of it in and through those who
believed in what God had done (verse 32).
The gospel of Christ was an astounding message to the
Jewish people, but it was the truth, and the apostles could not
do anything but preach it. It was central to all their teaching.
When asked to desist from such teaching, they replied, "We
ought to obey God rather than men" (verse 29). When beaten for
their conduct, they rejoiced in their experiences and continued
to teach and preach every day (verses 41, 42).
What kind of preaching was done at Antioch, and what name
was given to the disciples there? Acts 11:20, 26.
"The name [Christian] was given them because Christ was the'
main theme of their preaching, their teaching, and their conver-
sation.. With quivering lips and tearful eyes they spoke of His
agony in the garden, His betrayal, trial, and execution, the for-
bearance and humility with which He had endured the con-
tumely and torture imposed upon Him by His enemies, and the
Godlike pity with which He had prayed for those who perse-
cuted Him. . . .
"It was God who gave to them the name of Christian. This is a
royal name, given to all who join themselves to Christ."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
p. 157.
THINK IT THROUGH
What are some of the things we should be doing as true
Christians in this day?
FURTHER STUDY
1 John 4:1-4; Phil. 1:15-21; Rev. 2:13; Col. 3:17.
34
Marks of the Church
LESSON 4
❑
Monday
January 19
Part 2
LOYAL TO
TRUTH
Why should members of the true church relate helpfully to
one another?
"Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with
his neighbour: for we are members one of another" (Eph.
4:25).
Those who belong to the true church are honest and
straightforward in all their dealings. The church considers it
important to uphold the truth and be loyal to it. (Note the injunc-
tion of Jesus in Matthew 5:37.)
What claim did Jesus make for Himself? John 14:6.
Many theories of truth are set forth, and some may feel there is
no adequate answer to the question, What is truth? (See John
18:38.) But the Christian is positive that there is an answer to the
question, and the answer is the Person—Jesus Christ.
What do we see when we see Jesus Christ? John 1:1, 14.
John testified that in Jesus we see God made flesh and dwell-
ing among us, full of grace and truth. He contrasts Moses and
Jesus and says that Moses brought the law, but "grace and truth
came by Jesus Christ" (verse 17).
Thus the true church presents the truth as seen in Christ
Jesus. We see the love of God for fallen humanity in the sacrifice
made on the cross. We learn of one who does not abide in the
truth, but is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). Thus only two
stands can be taken by anyone—for the truth, or against it—for
the revelation of God in the Bible and in Jesus Christ, or against
it.
What does the Christian discover to be God's key to free-
dom? John 8:32.
When he knows the truth about God and himself and acts
upon this truth, he can be free from the guilt and power of sin.
Through the truth he can be sanctified, according to the prayer
of Jesus (John 17:17).
By contrast, there are those who not only reject the truth but
who also suppress it. (See 1 Timothy 4.) Although they know
about God, they refuse to accept the revelation that has been
made about Him, and they refuse to be grateful for all that God
has done.
THINK IT THROUGH
On what basis can we say that in the Bible we have the truth,
the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
FURTHER STUDY
Psalm 15; Ps. 51:6-13; John 16:12-14;
Steps to Christ,
"The
Work and the Life," pp. 77-83.
35
Marks of the Church
LESSON 4
❑
Tuesday
January 20
Part 3
DOERS OF
THE WORD
What is the relationship of Christian words and deeds ac-
cording to James?
"Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving
your own selves" (James 1:22).
The true church has practicing Christians!
James does not deny that a Christian has experienced birth.
He stresses the importance of this experience. He says that "of
his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be
a kind of firstfruits of his creatures" (verse 18). The Christian is
not a Christian merely because he is born into a Christian family.
He is not a Christian because he has learned Christian habits of
conduct and has kept the law insofar as anyone can judge. He is
not a Christian because he knows Christian doctrines. He is a
Christian only from the moment that he has been born into the
family of Christ.
The true church expects that its members will live up to the
principles taught in the Bible. This may limit the number of
members that a church accepts, and the church may be very
small in some areas. But the church that accepts and condones
members who live in open violation of the law of God is certainly
not living up to its calling. The church recognizes that member-
ship carries with it an obligation to do what is right and to right
any wrongs.
How does Paul compare the doers of the law with those who
are hearers only? Rom. 2:13.
Paul makes it clear that a person is judged according to what
he knows and how he relates to truth. He may not know much
about the law of God, but he does know instinctively the differ-
ence between right and wrong, and he has chosen to do what is
right. Therefore God can accept him; he has lived up to the light
that he has.
Jesus also contrasts words and deeds. Matt. 7:21-27.
The action referred to in the text is doing the will of God. A
form of piety that merely pays lip service to God will not avail
anything in the judgment. Living in harmony with God's will is
the criterion for entrance into the kingdom.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the connection between doing God's will and the
Christian life?
FURTHER STUDY
John 15:4-8; Matt. 23:1-8;
Thoughts From the Mount of Bless-
ing,
"Not Judging, but Doing" (Matt. 7:25), pp. 147-152.
36
Marks of the Church
LESSON 4
❑
Wednesday
January 21
Part 4
What did Jesus say would be a distinguishing characteristic
REACTING
of His disciples?
IN LOVE
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye
have love one to another" (John 13:35).
Human love is a characteristic implanted by God. But the love
Jesus is talking about is more than human love. It is human to
love the members of our family—to love those who love us. But
Jesus is talking about a love like the love of God—a love that
extends to enemies and to the unlovely.
What significant truth underlies the summary of Matthew
22:37-40.
To keep the commandments in a legalistic sense is compara-
tively easy. A young man who came to Jesus claimed to have
kept the law, and the claim was not denied. (See Matt. 19:20,21.)
But the young man had not learned to keep them out of love.
Think upon Paul's evaluation of the way of love. 1 Corinthi-
ans 13.
When we read this chapter, we begin to realize that talents,
self-sacrifice, and even faith in God are of no avail unless the
motivating principle of life is love. It is outgoing toward all,
regardless of the character of the person.
Consider the principle on which John shows the relation-
ship between love to God and love to man. 1 John 4:20, 21.
Some claim that they love God and are willing to do anything
for Him. But their relationships with their fellow Christians are
anything but pleasant. Full of criticism and anxious to see disci-
pline exercised on others, they are unable to put themselves in
the shoes of their failing friends. They lack even the milk of
human kindness. Such people have a distorted vision of their
relationship with God, because if they truly loved God they
would reflect His love in their relationships with others.
The true church is always a friendly church. It expresses
concern for its neighbors. It cares for its members. Such a
church exercises God's presence in the community and fulfills
one of its most important functions.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why cannot love condone iniquity or excuse sin?
FURTHER STUDY
John 15:12-17; Matt. 5:43-48;
Steps to Christ,
"God's Love for
Man," pp.
9-15.
37
Marks of the Church
LESSON 4
❑
Thursday
January 22
Part 5
SEEKING
REVIVAL
What important request does the psalmist make of God?
"Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in
thee? Shew us thy mercy, 0 Lord, and grant us thy salvation"
(Ps. 85:6, 7).
The psalmist is grateful that God has brought His people back
from captivity and has forgiven their sins (verses 1, 2). Now he
wants to feel the peace of God in his heart to be revived in spirit.
He recognizes that salvation is the most important thing for him
and that in order to enjoy this blessing he must trust implicitly in
the merits of Jesus. As the fruit of faith, he walks in the ways of
righteousness.
The danger always exists that we may take God for granted,
accept His blessings as a matter of course, keep His command-
ments out of force of habit, and follow a pattern of worship
because
,
it has been handed down by tradition. In fact, we may
be doing things that seem right to us but which are indeed
contrary to what He has declared.
What counsel does Paul give to those who are too sure of
themselves? 1 Cor. 10:12.
Arrogance is dangerous. A church may feel it is the true
church; but if it is not willing to accept valid criticism and to
make changes accordingly, it loses the presence of God.
Study the evidence that the church has always had to re-
form itself. Rev. 2:4, 14, 16, 20;
3:2, 16.
The church is wholly dependent on a relationship with God.
This relationship must be renewed all the time. It cannot afford
to be indifferent. Here are some questions to ask:
1.
Are church leaders—called of God and endowed with
spiritual gifts—to lead, or are they mere professionals with
training and skill but no true charisma?
2.
Are the members dedicated to God and His service
throughout the week, or are they merely churchgoers, having a
form of godliness but denying the real power of the gospel?
(See 2 Tim. 3:5.)
3.
Is the church making useful changes to meet new chal-
lenges, or is it tied to ritual and tradition?
4.
Is the local church a place where the Spirit of God is active,
or is it merely a social club attended for the prestige that it may
provide its members?
In what ways is reformation more than change for the sake
of change?
Pss. 138:6-8; 23:3; 73:1-3, 16-18, 28;
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 585-592.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
38
Marks of the Church
LESSON 4
❑
Friday
January 23
Part 6
DOING
GOD'S WORK
What did Jesus show to be one purpose of His work?
"I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work
which thou gayest me to do" (John 17:4).
Although Jesus was the Son of God, He did not attribute glory
to Himself; His whole life was dedicated to the glory of His
Father. He revealed the love of God, set forth the principles of
the kingdom, called sin by its right name, and bore our sins on
the cross.
The church on earth is to continue the work which Christ
began. It is to represent Christ to the world. Only as it does this
can it be recognized as the true church.
What are some important characteristics of the work of the
church?
1.
The church owes its origin and life to God, who is active in
its midst. Its members are born from above and are Spirit-filled.
2.
The church must be active in the ways Jesus would be were
He here on earth. It should be concerned about sheep without a
shepherd, about the lost, about releasing the captive from his
sins, about being the agent of reconciliation and the depository
of God's grace.
3.
The church must manifest the spirit of Christ: His humility
(Phil. 2:5-8), His service (John 13:4, 5, 12-17), His acceptance of
the cross as the means of redemption.
4.
The last part of God's church will proclaim the messages of
the three angels who present God's last call to mankind. (See
Rev. 14:6-12.)
Note Jesus' warning against seeking popularity. Luke 6:26.
Success is sometimes measured by size and popularity. But
this is not true of the church. The church that supposes it is
doing God's will because it has a large influx of members may
be mistaken. While the church is charged with the responsibility
of making disciples, its mission is basically that of bearing a
witness. Hopefully, many who hear will also accept the gospel
invitation. But we may be sure that there will be many who will
ignore it, because the way of righteousness is narrow, while the
way of destruction is broad.
THINK IT THROUGH
How much validity do numbers have' in deciding the
strength of the church or its importance?
FURTHER STUDY
Deut. 4:39, 40; Mark 3:34, 35; 2 Cor. 8:9-12;
Christ's Object
Lessons, "Go
Into the Highways and Hedges," p. 229.
39
The Church
Piettues
LESSON 5 January 25-31
"This is a great mystery: but I speak
concerning Christ and the church"
(Eph.
5:32).
When Paul refers to the
relationship between Christ and the
church, he calls it a mystery. This is
not to say that the relationship
cannot be understood, but that it
requires a certain amount of insight
gained by a willingness to be
sensitive to God's revelation.
The problem is that the
relationship between Christ and the
church can be oversimplified. The
activity of God, like God Himself,
cannot be adequately described by
human language. Because of the
limitations of man's mind, it is often
beyond human comprehension. The
nature of God's activity in the church
is so varied that a number of human
terms are used to try to convey some
sense of the reality.
The Bible tried to help us
understand this mystery by using a
number of metaphors, and in the
lesson this week we look at these in
an effort to grasp some of the
fullness of the relationship between
Christ and His church.
We begin by looking at the figure
of the sheep and the shepherd. For
this metaphor we must use our
imaginations or wide reading,
because few of us have seen Eastern
shepherds or have had to deal with
sheep. The early disciples had no
problems here. When Jesus called
Himself the Good Shepherd, they
could visualize immediately what
was meant and could recognize the
aptness of the illustration. With a
little study we ought to be able to
appreciate what is meant by this
figure of speech.
The figure of the vine and the
branches as explained by Jesus
brings out relationships between
Christ and the church that are not
brought out by the concept of sheep
and shepherd. Something more than
care seems to be involved. A source
of life is illustrated by the sap that
flows into the branches. Fruit
bearing is seen as a natural result of
remaining in the vine.
The concept of the stones of a
building brings out other truths
regarding the relationship between
Christ and the church. Peter seems
to recognize that the figure of a stone
has its weakness, because a stone is a
lifeless object. Therefore he talks of
"lively" stones. The imagery cannot
be pressed on every detail, but the
idea of a foundation or cornerstone
is essential to understanding Christ's
importance to the church; therefore
the figure of speech must be studied.
The metaphor of a king and a
kingdom gets very close to actuality,
because Christ is a king. This points
up not only His supremacy, but also
His authority. Of course the
kingdom is not of this world;
therefore we must understand the
metaphor in terms of the kingdom of
God and the principles of
righteousness which it embodies.
Two other metaphors—the
household of God, and the head and
the body—bring home personal and
family relationships. They show how
close we are brought to God by the
new birth and how we all become
brothers and sisters in the faith.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Sheep and Shepherd
(John 10:11)
2.
Branches and Vine
(John 15:1)
3.
Stones and Building
(1 Peter 2:5)
4.
Kingdom and King
(Mark 1:15)
5.
Household of God
(Eph. 2:19)
6.
Head and Body
(1 Cor. 12:27)
The Church in
Pictures
LESSON 5
❑
Sunday
January 25
Part 1
Consider Jesus' pastoral picture of His relationship to His
SHEEP AND people.
SHEPHERD
"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life
for the sheep" (John 10:11).
The relationship of Jesus to His people is that of a shepherd to
his sheep. This metaphor was well understood in Bible lands
because there were shepherds and sheep everywhere. It was
also well understood that there were bad shepherds and good
ones, sheep that were well cared for and sheep that were at the
mercy of wolves. The sheep usually knew their shepherd by his
voice and responded to his call. They could depend on him to
lead them to good pasture, to refreshing water, and to the fold at
night.
In what portrayal by the psalmist was the Lord presented as
his constant helper? Psalm 23.
The Shepherd provided the psalmist with his daily temporal
needs. But He went beyond this, because He also led him in the
paths of righteousness and restored his soul when he was
discouraged because of sin. The psalmist was not afraid of
death, nor did he feel any dread of evil coming upon him, for he
knew that the Shepherd was with him to guide and correct him.
Thus he felt unusually blessed, with a sense of victory over his
enemies and the assurance that he would dwell in the house of
the Lord forever.
What are some of the parallels between sheep and people?
The likeness of people to sheep is a very close one. Like sheep,
people are dependent on their leaders. Like sheep, they are
sometimes treated well and sometimes badly. Sometimes they
are lost and need to be found. They need to be treated gently
when they are with young. The lambs often need to be carried
over rough terrain.
Sheep have a tendency to go astray. They have no means of
self-protection except as the shepherd reaches out with his
crook and saves them.
Jesus said that He laid down His life for His sheep. This is the
supreme sacrifice. Many people herd sheep for the good they
can get out of them. When danger threatens their own lives, they
run away. They are more concerned about themselves than
about the sheep. It this respect Jesus is entirely different.
THINK IT THROUGH
How do you differentiate between the voice of the shepherd
and the voice of the hireling?
FURTHER STUDY
Isa. 53:6-11; Matt. 7:15-20; John 10:1-18; 1 Peter 2:25;
The
Desire of Ages,
pp. 476-484.
42
The Church in Pictures
LESSON 5
❑
Monday
January 26
Part 2
What metaphor from plant life did Jesus use to illustrate the
BRANCHES relation between Himself, His people, and God?
AND VINE
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman"
(John 15:1).
If the illustration of sheep and shepherd had been all-
sufficient, there would have been no need for another. But
Jesus wanted to bring out the closeness that must exist
between Himself and His people—a closeness like that of a
branch in the vine.
When the spies rejoined the children of Israel in the wilder-
ness after they had been to Canaan, what did the huge bunch
of grapes they carried indicate? Num. 13:23.
The vine is an abundant, well-known, carefully cultivated
plant in Palestine. It produces the grape which yields wine, and
this brings refreshment to many a thirsty soul.
In the metaphor, what gracious work is done by the Father?
John 15:2.
The object of the branch in being connected to the vine is to
produce fruit. If the branch does not abide in the vine, it be-
comes fruitless, dies, and is disposed of.
The life of the branch is in the sap that comes from the vine. It
cannot glory in itself because of the fruit it bears. It bears fruit
naturally. When there is plentiful fruit, the glory comes to the
husbandman.
What Old Testament illustration parallels that of the vine?
isa. 5:1-7.
The children of Israel were likened to a vine planted in a
choice vineyard. They should have brought forth good fruit, but
they did not. What a tragedy it is when that which God has
created fails to fulfill His plan and proves a failure!
The church is God's vineyard, in which Jesus is the vine and
the members of the church are branches. Only if the members
are in Christ as the branch is in the vine can they bring forth fruit
to God's glory. Will the church measure up to its privileges?
THINK IT THROUGH
What Is the key by which one maintains his connection with
Christ so as to bear good fruit?
FURTHER STUDY
John 15:1-11; Ps. 91:1, 2;
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 675-680.
43
4-A.L. 1-81
The Church in Pictures
LESSON 5
❑
Tuesday
January 27
Part 3
STONES AND
BUILDING
What illustration does Peter employ to describe the church
in its various relationships?
"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an
holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to
God by Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5).
Stones and buildings suggest something more permanent
than sheep and shepherds or branches and vines. Hence we
find in this parallel used by Peter a suggestion of stability. The
church still involves a relationship, but it is one that can last
forever.
What purposes might Paul have in using the figure of a
building in connection with the church? 1 Cor.
3:9.
The apostle describes himself as a worker with God, engaged
in building. The first thing he does is to lay a foundation, and the
only foundation that can be laid for the church is Jesus Christ
(verse 11).
Jesus pointed out to His disciples the importance of a founda-
tion. (See Matt. 7:24-27.) The wise man built on a rock, but the
foolish man built on sand. The church is built on the Rock,
Christ Jesus.
To whom does Paul refer as the foundation of a holy temple
and as the Chief Cornerstone? Eph. 2:20-22.
A cornerstone was a key stone to hold the rest of the building
together. A temple is the dwelling place of God; so this stone is
vital to the whole building.
It is interesting to note that Jesus shares the foundation with
the apostles and prophets, a generosity typical of Him. (See
Rev. 3:21.)
Peter may have been dissatisfied with the idea of stones to
represent people; so he writes of "living" stones (1 Peter 2:4).
The building is therefore a living entity. But just as stones are
bound to one another and support one another, so the members
of the church are bound together by a unity that cannot be
broken without destroying the whole edifice.
The figure of stone lends itself to other concepts. The stone
can be precious (1 Peter 2:6). It may be rejected, as Jesus was by
His own people (verse 7). It can be a stone of stumbling, as Jesus
was to the Jewish people. (See Rom. 9:32, 33.) But the assur-
ance is that the one who believes in Jesus will never be put to
shame.
THINK IT THROUGH
What lessons do you draw from the inadequacy of any one
metaphor to describe the church?
FURTHER STUDY
Acts 20:32;
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 595-599.
44
The Church in
Pictures
LESSON 5
❑
Wednesday
January 28
Part 4
What gospel message did Jesus take to Galilee after the
KINGDOM imprisonment of John?
AND KING
"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand:
repent ye, and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:15).
The kingdom of God is another metaphor to describe the
relationships that exist in the church. The kingdom is not of this
world, but it is nevertheless a real entity. Jesus acknowledged to
Pilate that He was a king. (See Mark 15:2.)
In what series of parables does Jesus describe what occurs
in the kingdom of heaven? Matt. 13:18-52.
The reception of the seed of truth varies with individuals:
some have hearts hardened like beaten paths, others cannot
withstand persecution, still others permit the cares of this world
to determine their destiny, but some accept the word of truth
and bring forth fruit in their lives.
Again, the kingdom of heaven will have in it both good seed
and weeds. Should the weeds be pulled up immediately? The
answer is No—because of the danger of hurting the good seed.
A time will come when this work of judgment can be done safely
and effectively.
The kingdom of heaven is likened to leaven that works quietly
and unseen, but powerfully. It is like treasure hidden in a field or
like a pearl that a merchant will make a huge sacrifice to obtain.
It may even be likened to a dragnet that takes in good and bad,
with only the good surviving.
How does Paul describe his heavenly citizenship? Phil.
3:20.
What did Daniel see, through Nebuchadnezzar's dream, as
the climax of all earthly kingdoms? Dan. 2:35, 44.
The God of heaven sets up this kingdom. To be a citizen of
God's kingdom is surely the greatest privilege that anyone can
enjoy.
The Christian finds no abiding city here in this world, but for
him the enlargement of the kingdom of God is the highest goal
for which he can strive.
Augustine saw the church as the City of God. His concept of
such a city on earth was mistaken. But to the Christian the
church is
an earnest
(a pledge) of the kingdom of heaven.
THINK IT THROUGH
By what means may a person who is an active citizen of
some country in this world also obtain citizenship in heaven?
FURTHER STUDY
Dan. 4:17, 25, 32; 7:27; Matt. 7:21; 13:31, 33, 44, 45, 47;
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Gain That Is Loss," pp. 253, 254.
45
The Church in
Pictures
LESSON 5
❑
Thursday
January 29
Part 5
While assuring the Epheslans that they were no longer
HOUSEHOLD aliens, into what family did Paul include them?
OF GOD
"Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowciti-
zens with the saints, and of the household of God" (Eph. 2:19).
The concept of the household brings the interrelationships of
the church members even closer. The church is not a group of
unrelated individuals; it is a family group, with alLthe closeness
that membership in a family implies.
What word from Jesus shocked Nicodemus regarding his
part in the kingdom of heaven? John
3:3.
Nicodemus, like so many other good people, thought that he
would get into the kingdom because of his righteousness—
because of his faithful keeping of the law.
Why may those who tell lies properly be called the children
of the evil one? John 8:44.
Children partake of the characteristics of their parents. That
is why we have all inherited the traits of fallen Adam. Those who
claim to be the children of Abraham should manifest Abraham's
characteristics (verse 39). When weare born into the household
of God, we must reflect the character of God.
What indication does Paul give
.
of the close relationship
binding together members of the household of God? Eph.
3:14, 15.
We are now brothers and sisters. This is a relationship that
involves responsibilities. We are privileged to treat one another
as members of the family—with love. If we see a brother who is
naked, we must clothe him. (See James 2:15, 16.) We must be
careful not to cause a weak brother to stumble. Paul states it
emphatically when he says that if we sin against a brother we sin
against Christ. (See 1 Cor. 8:12.) We must be willing to restrict
our own liberties for the sake of our fellow members (verse 13).
As brothers and sisters we should settle our own disputes and
not take them to courts where unbelievers are called upon to
judge. (See 1 Cor. 6:5-7.) The Christian should choose rather to
be defrauded and to suffer at the hands of his fellow Christians
than to go to court.
THINK IT THROUGH
What advantages or disadvantages do you see in calling
members of the church by the title of "brother" and "sister"
rather than by some secular title?
FURTHER STUDY
Gal. 6:10; 2 Thess. 3:14, 15;
Sons and Daughters of God,
pp.
7-14.
46
The Church in Pictures
LESSON 5
❑
Friday
January 30
What striking figure of speech did Paul use to describe the
true nature of the church?
"Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular"
(1 Cor. 12:27).
Paul elaborates on this figure of speech in his letter to the
Ephesians. He says that God "hath put all things under his feet,
and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which
is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all" (Eph. 1:22,
23).
The metaphor of a body is very apt as applied to the church.
Here are some principles worth noting:
1.
Just as a body cannot operate without a head, so the church
cannot live without Christ.
2.
Just as the body has many members, each unique in its
function, yet all contributing to the_ life of the whole, so in the
church there are different gifts, each ministering to the whole;
many nationalities, but one body. (See 1 Cor. 12:12, 13.)
3.
No member can claim priority over any other member in the
body, nor should anyone want to be the only member. This
would be a negation of the body. (See verses 15-17, 21.)
4.
All the members of a body are so related that if one member
suffers, the rest of the members suffer (verse 26).
5.
There are three "gifts" that all must exercise: Faith, hope,
and love, and the greatest of these is love. (See 1 Corinthians
13.)
What ambassador role shows the close interrelation
between Jesus and His disciples? Matt. 10:40.
To be rejected of men is not easy. But when this happens, we
may find comfort in knowing that Jesus was also rejected. (See
the experience of Samuel in 1 Sam. 8:7.) It is good to know that
Jesus identifies with us so that He, as the Head, shares with the
church in its various experiences, rejoicing in its successes and
grieving over its failures.
Although Jesus is in heaven, He is also present on the earth in
and through His church. And although He is the Head of the
church, He is not conditioned by the church. Independent of the
church, He nevertheless voluntarily associates with the church
in order to make it what it ought to be—His bride.
Part 6
HEAD AND
BODY
THINK IT THROUGH
In what particular ways do the figure of the head and the
body emphasize the truth that the church is more than a
human organization?
FURTHER STUDY
1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 4:15, 16; Col. 1:14-19;
Education,
pp. 268,
269.
47
6 A Chosen People
LESSON 6 February 1-7
"You, that were sometime alienated
and enemies in your mind by wicked
works, yet now hath he reconciled in
the body of his flesh through death, to
present you holy and unblameable and
unreproveable in his sight" (Col: 1:21,
22).
Paul presents to the church at
Colosse the purpose that Christ has
for every member of the church—an
ideal that rises above weakness or
sin.
Because the Christian is holy, the
church is holy. It will have no love for
sin. It cannot condone it or find
excuses for it. It must always call sin
by its right name and wage war
against it.
Jesus prayed that His disciples
might be sanctified, or made holy.
(See John 17:17.) He indicated that
this would be accomplished through
the Word of God—the truth God has
revealed. Thus there can be no doubt
about the way of holiness set before
the church.
Yet the word "holy" must be
understood in its biblical setting to
be interpreted correctly. Hence the
subject of this week is vital, both for
understanding what the church is all
about and for recognizing our duties
and responsibilities as members of
the church.
We notice that the members of the
church are called to be saints. This
term can have a rather special
meaning, referring to those
canonized by an ecclesiastical
hierarchy. Therefore we need to look
at the word carefully to be sure that
we understand what the writers of
the New Testament meant by the
word "saint." In one aspect it refers
to a way of life that leads ever upward
to Christlikeness, and we have no
desire to water down the high
standards of Christian conduct and
life in order to bring sainthood into
harmony with what we may see all
around us—even within the church.
It is important, however, to note
another and perhaps more common
aspect of things sanctified or made
holy. Buildings and articles of
furniture, priests and garments,
sacrifices and offerings are declared
holy when they are set apart for
God's service. The sanctuary/temple
was a prime setting for all of these in
the Old Testament. God's people,
ancient or modern, are called
holy—set apart for God's service.
They are likewise called to
reflect the
holy
character of God as seen in
Jesus Christ. Holiness—Christlikeness
—is
the goal.
Is it not a blessing that God's
commands are His enablings? If we
were required to reach God's
standards in our own strength, we
would be most miserable, because
we would fail from the very start.
When the Christian accepts the
goal that God has set for him, he
does not sit back and do nothing. In
mind and heart he dedicates himself
to God's purposes and allows the
Holy Spirit to operate in his life. Then
in his relationships with others he
acts as the servant of God, providing
for the needy, showing hospitality to
strangers, and opening his doors to
fellow saints. The holy and blameless
life is not lived away from the stream
of humanity, but right in its midst.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Called Saints
(Rom. 1:7)
2.
Meaning of Holiness
(Num. 16:38)
3.
Divine Imperative
(1 Peter 1:16)
4.
Believer's Response
(1 John 3:3)
5.
Practical Aspects
(Rom. 16:2)
6.
Blameless Lives
(Phil. 2:15)
A Chosen People
LESSON 6
❑
Sunday
February 1
Part 1
Note Paul's greeting to the members of the church at Rome:
CALLED
SAINTS
"To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord
Jesus Christ" (Rom. 1:7).
In the days of Christ's ministry His followers were called
"disciples." Later on they called one another "brethren." Paul
calls them "saints," or "holy ones."
.
The term
saint
is not in common use in our day except in
reference to those reputedly devout persons who have been
canonized by ecclesiastical authority. Therefore several mod-
ern versions of the Bible in English use other words to translate
the Greek word which the KJV translates as "saints." The Good
News Bible (TEV): "called to be his own people." NEB: "called
to be his dedicated people." Phillips: "called to be Christ's men
and women."
We must never lose sight of the idea of sainthood as a charac-
teristic of the believers in the church, although we should un-
derstand what that sainthood means.
How does Paul say a believer becomes a saint? 1 Cor. 1:2.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
50
"Sanctified in Christ Jesus": The Greek word for "sanctified"
comes from the same root as the word for saint. Because the
believer is in Jesus and Jesus is in him, he is a saint.
Jesus prayed that His disciples might be sanctified by the
truth—the Word of God. (See John 17:17.)
What does Paul tell the Thessalonians are key elements In
their salvation? 2 Thess. 2:13.
Peter confirms this in his letter. (See 1 Peter 1:2.) When Paul
was describing his commission to King Agrippa, he said that he
was sent to the Gentiles "that they may receive forgiveness of
sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith
that is in me [Christ]" (Acts 26:18).
But sanctif ication is also an ongoing process. (See Eph. 5:26.)
Sainthood is not the attainment of instant perfection, but a daily
growth in grace. That is why members of the church need ever
to be reminded to put off "the old man" and "put on the new"
(Eph. 4:22-24).
What is a member's responsibility to other members who
may be struggling against temptation?
Eph. 5:27; Rom. 6:16; 1 Thess. 5:23; 2 Cor. 10:12; 2 Tim. 2:21;
The Great Controversy,
pp. 469-474.
A Chosen People
LESSON 6
❑
Monday
February 2
Parl 2
MEANING OF
HOLINESS
What was true of the material in certain censers hammered
out to overlay the altar?
"Hammer the censers into sheets to overlay the altar, for
they were presented before the Lord and have become holy.
Let them be a sign to the Israelites" (Num. 16:38, NIV).
Read all the verses of Numbers 16 in order to get the
background of the story. Note the following points:
1.
The leaders of the rebellion say that the whole congrega-
tion is holy because God is in their midst (verse 3).
2.
God separated the Levites from the rest of the children of
Israel and brought them near to Himself. Apparently Korah did
not recognize or care to acknowledge that it is God who ap-
points men and women to certain offices. Men and women are
to accept from God any privileges or limitations imposed upon
them.
3.
God vindicated His established order, and the leaders of the
rebels were destroyed.
4.
The metal of the censers was considered holy because it
had been presented to the Lord.
What is your reaction to the story? Do you see how men
sometimes turn away from God's order? Do you see that to
oppose God is dangerous?
What are two examples showing that even the ground is
made holy by the presence of God? Ex. 3:5; Joshua 5:15.
Because God is holy, everything He touches is holy. The
temple was holy because He was in it. (See Matt. 21:13.) The
Sabbath is also holy because God is in it in a special sense—
meeting His people in this sanctuary in time.
What was God's purpose for the children of Israel? Deut.
28:9-14.
By setting apart the children of Israel as a holy people, God
intended to make them a blessing and an example. There was
just one condition—that they keep God's commandments.
Thus holiness involves God's action of hallowing; it means a
separation from other people in terms of blessing; it involves
being obedient to God's commands.
How recently did you uphold the view that the church build-
ing is to be regarded differently from any secular building?
Col. 3:17; 1 Cor. 10:31; Rom. 12:2;
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 395-405.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
51
A Chosen People
LESSON 6
❑
Tuesday
February 3
Part 3
Why are God's people to be holy?
DIVINE
IMPERATIVE
"Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter
1:16).
Peter tells the believers that they are to be holy in all they do
(verse 15). That is, holiness is not to be limited to certain acts of
worship or to certain times of the day or week. The Christian is
to be holy at all times, in every circumstance, in all his activities.
Just as God is holy and never loses His holiness—never sets it
aside—so the Christian is to be holy in following the divine
pattern.
What does Paul say is the will of God for us? 1 Thess. 4:3-8.
Paul makes it clear that there is to be a very great difference
between the Christian and the man of the world. The latter may
engage in unseemly practices, but the Christian cannot. The
Christian knows God, whereas the Gentile does not (verse 5).
The knowledge of God determines the way of life. When we
know that God is love and that He has done so much for us, we
respond by doing His will, and we know that His will is to save us
from our sins—to save us from the death that is the wages of sin.
He wants us to be reflectors of His goodness and holiness,
because we have been created in His image.
If we are slow to turn our backs on the wicked ways of the
world, what must be included in our view of the future? Eccl.
12:13, 14; Deut. 4:24.
Not that fear should be our primary motivating force, but it
can be a healthy reminder! God has certainly given ample warn-
ing of the consequences of sin, both to our first parents and to
the children of Israel. In 1 Thessalonians 4:6 Paul urges the
members in Thessalonica to refrain from defrauding one
another because God is an avenger! God has not called us to be
His people with the expectation that we shall remain the same
as we were before we were called. He calls us so that we may
have the privilege of a new creation, a new heart, a new life—a
life of doing what is right and pleasing to God. In fact, when we
show no regard for our bodies or our calling, we are despising
God. That is a careless attitude to take and will result in serious
consequences.
THINK IT THROUGH
Will we offend people if we carry holiness into our everyday
lives? (Read Rom. 12:14-21.)
FURTHER STUDY
2 Peter 3:18; 1 Peter 1:23; 2:2;
The Ministry of Healing,
pp.
454-456;
Christ's Object Lessons, "The
Sower Went Forth to
Sow," pp. 48, 49.
52
A Chosen People
LESSON 6
❑
Wednesday
February 4
Part 4
When the Christian sees that the end is near, what does he
BELIEVER'S seek to do?
RESPONSE
"Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself,
even as he is pure" (1 John
3:3).
The Greek word for "purifieth" is in the present tense, which
means that the Christian is always seeking to be pure in life,
especially as he looks forward to the blessed hope of Jesus'
soon return. He knows that he can do nothing to make himself
clean; but he also knows that if he comes humbly before the
throne of grace and pleads the merits of Christ, God will be
gracious, forgiving him and purifying his life.
What is God's goal for His children? Heb. 13:20, 21;1 Thess.
5:23.
"The sanctification of the church is God's object in all His
dealings with His people. He has chosen them from eternity,
that they might be holy. He gave His Son to die for them, that
they might be sanctified through obedience to the truth, di-
vested of all the littleness of self."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
p.
559.
The Christian does not assume that purity is an impossibility.
Nor does he consider that he has already attained such a state.
He recognizes his weaknesses, but he also has faith in the
strength and grace of God while he trusts in Jesus' merits.
What are two other outstanding qualities of a Christian?
Heb. 12:14.
1.
The member of the church is
apeacemaker.
(See Matt. 5:9.)
He knows that he lives in a world where tempers flare up quite
easily (even his own!). But he knows that nothing is gained and
much is lost when tempers take over. Therefore he pours oil on
troubled waters. He seeks to understand both sides of a con-
troversy, and then he tries to bring them together. This does not
mean that he compromises truth, but he knows when to stand
firm and when to give in. And he urges others to do the same,
using heavenly wisdom and tact. He also knows that the only
peace worth having is that which Jesus gives. (See John 14:27.)
He is a witness of this peace in his heart.
2.
At the same time he strives for
holiness.
This is a personal
relationship with God in which he knows that, being right with
God, he can be right with his fellowmen.
THINK IT THROUGH
What are the differences between purifying oneself and
merely being a "goody-goody"?
FURTHER STUDY
The Ministry of Healing,
pp. 474-478; Rom. 12:18; Phil. 2:14-
16.
53
A Chosen People
LESSON 6
❑
Thursday
February 5
Part 5
What kind of conduct did Paul say was fitting for saints?
PRACTICAL
ASPECTS
"That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and
that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of
you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself
also" (Rom. 16:2).
A study of this verse in context reveals the following princi-
ples and relationships:
1.
Phebe is "our sister." Members of the church are brothers
and sisters; they belong to one family. Therefore they relate to
one another closely as members of a family.
2.
Phebe was a "servant of the church." Being a servant of the
church is not demeaning, but rather makes one worthy of re-
spect and high regard. She was a deaconess, contributing to
the needs of church members in both general and specific
ways, according to her talent.
3.
She was to be welcomed "in the Lord." That is, she was to
be welcomed as a representative of the Lord. (See Matt. 10:40.)
If it is proper to entertain stranger( in case they should be
angels (Heb. 13:2), it is most certainly proper that members of
the church should be hospitable to one another.
4.
If Phebe had helped many, it was right that she should be
helped whenever she was in need; and she should feel free to
find that help among church members. The church community
can be a mutual self-help society where everybody can contrib-
ute and receive help.
5.
Phebe is an example of Paul's attitude to women. He did not
belittle them, and he recognized the contribution that women
can make to the church. In this chapter he mentions several:
Priscilla (Rom. 16:3), Mary (verse 6), Tryphena and Tryphosa
(were they twins?), and Persis (verse 12). Rufus's mother is
mentioned as being a mother to Paul (verse 13)—another of
these "mothers in Israel" who are so precious with their
thoughtfulness and love. Two others are mentioned: Julia, and
the sister of Nereus (verse 15). No wonder Paul could say: In
Christ "there is neither male nor female" (Gal. 3:28).
Holiness does not mean isolation. It may mean being dif-
ferent, but the difference is that a person who is holy is also very
devoted to the good of his fellowman.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is there a tendency to consider the contribution of a woman
to the church less Important than that of a man? If so, why?
FURTHER STUDY
1 Peter 4:7-10; Rom. 12:9-16;
Testimonies,
vol. 6, pp. 341-348.
54
A Chosen People
LESSON 6
❑
Friday
February 6
Part 6
What is the pattern of life set before the church member?
BLAMELESS
LIVES
"That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God,
without rebuke, In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation,
among whom ye shine as lights in the world" (Phil. 2:15).
In the previous verse Paul says that the Christian should do all
things "without murmurings and disputings." Is this possible?
Is it not more usual to hear grumblings and complaints—to hear
people arguing about this and that? But grumblers are a
headache! Nothing seems to please them. For example, con-
sider the children of Israel in the wilderness (Ex. 15:24; 16:2;
17:3). There is always the opportunity to find fault with some
one
or some
thing.
How does the follower of Jesus treat problem members of
the church and community? 1 Thess. 5:13-15.
The Christian lives a life of serenity, knowing that all things
are in the hands of God and that God does all things well. The
believer refrains from grumbling lest he dishonor God. He is not
interested in arguing until tempers are frayed, and he does not
enter into litigation. (See 1 Cor. 6:1-8.)
Blameless:
The Christian must not only be pure, but others
must see that he is pure. He avoids all compromising situations.
Harmless:
He is absolutely sincere in his relationships with
others. His motives are pure. (See James 5:12.)
Sons of God:
The Christian will have God's attributes of
goodness and love. (See Matt. 5:48.)
Without rebuke:
His life and character can stand the scrutiny
of the world and of God. He lives a life of purity and cannot be
condemned by any law.
This standard of conduct is not just something to be realized
in the afterlife. God's life-style must be lived
each
day—in the
midst of a crooked and depraved generation. Such living will
stand out like a light in the midst of darkness.
How does Peter show that such a life can have a saving
influence? 1 Peter 3:1, 2.
Holy women in the past set such an example (verse 5). Beauty
is not in the outward adorning, but in a gentle and quiet spirit
(verse 4).
THINK IT THROUGH
When we think of the high standard of holiness set before
the Christian, how can the gospel still be good news?
FURTHER STUDY
1 John 1:5-7; 1 Tim. 6:6-12;
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp.
206-210;
Gospel Workers,
p. 122.
55
7 / Called to Be Saints
LESSON 7 February 8 -14
"If we say that we have not sinned,
we make him a liar, and his word is not
in us" (1 John 1:10).
Part of the mystery of the church is
that it is holy and committed to obey
God's law of love, and yet every
Christian in it is a sinner. How can we
harmonize these seemingly opposite
ideas?
We must ever remember that we
are born in sin. We all have inherited
and cultivated tendencies to sin. We
have all sinned and come short of the
glory that God intended us to have in
terms of being in His image. (See
Rom. 3:23.)
Flesh is not evil in and of itself. We
cannot have pure spirits in wicked
bodies. Man is a whole and can in no
way be divorced from his body and
continue to exist. The goal of the
Christian is that his whole body,
soul, and spirit be sanctified. (See
1 Thess. 5:23.)
When the Christian prays for
forgiveness, we are told that he is
forgiven and cleansed "from all
unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). This
is because God is "faithful and just."
John is bold to say that the one who
"is born of God doth not commit
sin" (1 John 3:9). That is, he does not
habitually practice sin or choose to
continue in it. But this is not to say
that he does not ever fall into sin or
make mistakes.
Thus in God's people called to
righteousness is the shadow of sin.
Anyone who looks at the church can
see it for himself. The paradox is that
the church is composed of sinners
who are saints!
In the parable of the tares and of
the net, Jesus pointed out that the
kingdom of God has both thegood
and the bad in it. (See Matt. 13:24-30;
47-49.) In our lesson this week we
shall see how the Christian must
refrain from making any claims for
himself that cannot be substantiated.
We should never excuse sin in our
lives, but neither should we deny it.
Nor should we seek to establish our
own righteousness, because that is a
futile task anyway. There is nothing
that we can do of ourselves that is
good. Even our good is marred by
our corrupt natures. (See
Selected
Messages,
bk. 1, p. 344.) Nothing we
can do will earn salvation or favor
with God. We are
dependent upon
God for everything good that
comes
our way,
and only through Him are
we able to accomplish some good in
the world.
The Bible
has recorded the lives of
the saints of old. Some of them made
terrible mistakes. The purpose of
these biographies is not that we
duplicate their errors; it is to learn
the secret of victory in the life.
The church has always been in
need of reform, and the true church
is always aware of its weaknesses and
seeks to bring about a change. It is
not making a mistake that is serious;
it is persisting in that mistake when
realizing our error and not
confessing that a mistake has been
made. Unfortunately, sin in the
church can be a stumbling block to
many, and that is one reason why it
should be avoided. But since it
exists, we need to pray for mercy at
all times.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Words of Caution
(1 John 1:8)
2.
Filthy Rags
(Isa. 64:6)
3.
Saints Who Failed
(Ps. 143:2)
4.
Need for Reform
(Rev. 2:4)
5.
Tragedy of Sin
(Rom. 2:24)
6.
Prayer for Mercy
(Ps. 51:1)
Called to Be Saints
LESSON 7
❑
Sunday
February 8
Part 1
WORDS OF
CAUTION
How does John caution us against making claims that we
cannot substantiate?
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and
the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8).
The life of the Christian is a mysterious paradox. He is called a
saint—one set apart for the life and service of God—yet he must
not say he is without sin. (John talks of sin and sins [verses 8, 9].)
The closer he is to his Master, the more conscious he is of his
faults and shortcomings.
Why is the denial of sin the denial of what God has revealed
in the Scriptures? Ps. 14:3; Eccl. 7:20.
The fall of Adam has left a legacy that everyone inherits. "That
which is born of the flesh is flesh" (John 3:6), said Jesus to
Nicodemils, pointing out that even though he may have lived a
respectable life he could not be a candidate for heaven unless
he were born again.
The fact that we have a God "faithful and just" to forgive us
our sins is one of the basic truths of the gospel. But in order to
enjoy this privilege, one must confess his sins. (See 1 John 1:9.)
How does James describe our human situation? James 3:2.
James points out one area in which we all make mistakes—
our speech. Although the tongue is a small member of the body,
it can do a considerable amount of damage. (See verse 6.)
What basic difference is there between the sinner who is a
Christian and the sinner who has not made any commitment to
Christ? 1 John 3:9. Read this in the New International Version.
The one who is born again cannot habitually sin. He cannot be
a slave of sin, continually and helplessly repeating the same sin.
(See Rom. 6:14.) He is delivered from this body of death through
Christ, and he walks "not after the flesh, but after the Spirit"
(Rom. 8:1).
THINK IT THROUGH
When does the Christian reach that state when he is without
sin?
FURTHER STUDY
James
4:17;
Col.
2:10;
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The Lord's Prayer" (Luke 11:4), pp. 113-116.
58
Called to Be Saints
LESSON 7
❑
Monday
February 9
Part 2
How does the prophet Isaiah describe the righteousness of
FILTHY man?
RAGS
"We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses
are as filthy rags" (Isa. 64:6).
When Adam and Eve recognized their nakedness, they made
coverings of fig leaves. But God made for them "coats of skins,
and clothed them" (Gen 3:21).
Man has always tried to do that which he thought was right.
Even Cain brought an offering at the same time as his brother
Abel. But his offering was not mixed with faith; it did not indi-
cate recognition that he was a sinner and that he needed a
Saviour. It merely represented an offering of his own works to
God. As such, it could not be accepted by God, because salva-
tion comes through faith in Christ, not faith in our works.
What in man makes him want to do something to atone for
his own wickedness? Rom. 10:3.
Some will give up their lives for God; they will give up comfort
and riches—even food. But such acts of self-denial can never
earn salvation.
The Christian is not immune to this human tendency. The
history of the church abounds with stories of men and women
who have suffered self-inflicted hardships for the gospel. But
Paul points out that all this, without love, is nothing. (See 1 Cor.
13:3.)
Follow the psalmist's expression of the joy of the one who
trusts wholly In God. Psalm 32.
Note the following points made in this psalm:
1.
The blessedness of sins forgiven comes only from God
(verses 1, 2).
2.
Confession of sin leads to forgiveness (verse 5).
3.
The godly are in constant communion with God and thus
enjoy God's protection (verses 6, 7).
4.
God promises to guide and instruct the one who wants to
know what he should do in life (verse 8).
5.
God is abundantly merciful to those who trust fully in Him
(verse 10).
6.
This relationship with God brings joy and happiness; so
the righteous should praise God for their privileges (verse 11).
THINK IT THROUGH
Why is the tendency to see merit in works such a dangerous
and self-defeating attitude in the church member?
FURTHER STUDY
Rom. 8:1-4; 9:31; 10:3;
Steps to Christ,
"Consecration," pp.
43-48.
59
Called to Be Saints
LESSON 7
❑
Thursday
February 12
Part 5
What did Paul say resulted when the Jews broke the law
TRAGEDY which God had given them?
OF SIN
"The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles
through you, as it is written" (Rom. 2:24).
Read the texts on each side of this verse. Clearly, the Jew had
many privileges. He knew the Ten Commandments. He knew
that God had chosen his race. He knew God's will because it had
been revealed in the Old Testament, and he adopted the high
ideals presented (verse 18). In fact, he considered himself able
to instruct the ignorant and throw light on topics that were
generally not understood (verses 19, 20). Yet—and this is the
tragedy of tragedies—he did not take advantage of his
privileges. He who knew the law did not keep it. He who knew
God's will did not live a life in conformity with it. Thus, instead of
being the channel of God's blessing to others, he was the cause
of turning people away from God.
What distinction did Paul make between those who were
Jews racially and those who were Jews spiritually? Rom. 2:29;
Gal. 3:29.
The parallel with the church is obvious. The church enjoys
many privileges. Does it live up to those privileges? Or does it
cause people to turn away from God by its faulty witness?
What did the children of Israel do that was considered blas-
phemy? Eze. 20:27, 28.
We blaspheme the name of God when we turn away from the
worship of the true God and worship idols instead. An idol need
not be wood or stone; it can be anything that we consider more
important in our lives than God. It may be position or the honor
we gain by letting down God's standards of behavior. When we
have such confidence in our own skills that we forget to ask for
wisdom or guidance; when we push ahead in projects without
waiting for God's leading; when we rationalize our actions in
the pursuit of our objectives (in order to excuse them)—these
are ways in which we dishonor God, because we put other
matters ahead of Him in our system of priorities. Our goals may
seem honorable; but unless we put God first, last, and best in
our lives we blaspheme His name; and others, seeing us, will
also question the ideals we profess.
THINK IT THROUGH
What precautions must the church take to avoid being a
cause of stumbling to others?
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons, "Without
a Wedding Garment," pp.
317-319.
62
Called to Be Saints
LESSON 7
❑
Friday
February 13
Part 6
After his great sin, David's words must have been those of a
PRAYER true penitent.
FOR MERCY
"Have mercy upon me, 0 God, according to thy lovingkind-
ness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot
out my transgressions" (Ps. 51:1). (Read the whole psalm.)
David offers this prayer after he has sinned in the case of
Bathsheba. He knows he is dependent upon the mercies of God.
He knows that he needs to be cleansed of sin (verse 2). He does
not try to find excuses for his sins. He is ever mindful of them,
and he knows that his sin has been primarily against God (verse
4). He recognizes his human weakness and presents it as a plea
for God to forgive him (verse 5).
What does David see as the only solution to his heart prob-
lem? Ps. 51:10.
"The heart must be renewed by divine grace, or it will be in
vain to seek for purity of life. He who attempts to build up a
noble, virtuous character independent of the grace of Christ is
building his house upon the shifting sand. In the fierce storms of
temptation it will surely be overthrown."—Patriarchs
and
Prophets,
p. 460.
David realizes that because of sin he really has no claim on
God, that a holy God would normally turn away from him. But he
asks not to be forsaken. He wants to have the experience of
being restored to favor, and then he will tell other sinners of his
experience and thus win them back to God (verse 13).
What contrast does David draw between a repentant heart
and some sacrifice offered to God? Ps. 51:16, 17.
"Man must be emptied of self before he can be, in the fullest
sense, a believer in Jesus. When self is renounced, then the
Lord can make man a new creature. New bottles can contain the
new wine. The love of Christ will animate the believer with new
life. In him who looks unto the Author and Finisher of our faith
the character of Christ will be manifest."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 280.
The church member ever looks to God for mercy, because he
recognizes that he is not all that he ought to be, and he finds a
gracious God who is abundant in loving-kindness and mercy.
Here is the mystery and the paradox of the church: it is not so
much a private club for saints as a hospital for sinners.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why does the mercy of God toward him make the Christian
more careful not to sin against God or his fellowmen?
FURTHER STUDY
Ps. 78:36-39; Isa. 30:15-21;
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 717-
726.
63
8 if
United in Christ
LESSON 8 February 15-21
"Till we all come in the unity of the
faith, and of the knowledge of the Son
of God, unto a perfect man, unto the
measure of the stature of the fulness of
Christ" (Eph. 4:13).
The Godhead is one. So must the
church be one---
T
one in spirit, one in
plan and purpose. Whether the
church is small or large, in the
country or in the city, in a primitive or
an advanced society, it is one with
God. Unity is its divine charac-
teristic.
People in the world cannot help
but be divided. They are divided in
their allegiances, in their cultures
and races, in their languages and
thought patterns. Sin is divisive. It
causes jealousies to arise, initiates
struggles for power, creates
dissatisfaction with the present and
the past, and fosters suspicion and
doubt. Thus the whole world is
divided. It reflects its fallen human
nature in sin.
By contrast, the church is drawn
together in unity, regardless of
ethnic backgrounds or differences in
language. The Holy Spirit breaks
down the barriers that keep people
apart. After the Flood, God confused
the languages in order to prevent
people from continuing the foolish
task of building a tower "whose top
may reach unto heaven" (Gen. 11:4).
But at Pentecost God enabled the
disciples to speak foreign languages
so that everyone could hear and
understand the gospel in his own
language and thus be drawn into the
unity of the church.
This week we look at the unity that
is to be characteristic of the church.
We see that there is only one church,
because there is one Lord, one faith,
one baptism. The differentiation
between Jew and Gentile which
l
revailed for many centuries no
onger exists. Although born sons of
Adam, we become sons of the
second Adam and thus enter into
one family on earth and in heaven.
(See Eph. 3:15.)
This unity is not only the subject of
Jesus' prayer for His disciples; it is
the answer to that prayer. This
distinctive mark convinces the world
that there is a superhuman power in
the church; therefore unity is the
object of attack on the part of Satan.
For this reason the Christian must
always strive to maintain the unity of
the faith. He must resist all those
human traits that would bring about
division.
How is such unity possible? It is
possible only as each Christian
adopts the same attitude to life and
its purposes as the Master has. He
seeks to do the Father's will and is
willing to suffer any indignities that
may be part of God's plan. He is not
so much concerned about his rights
and privileges, in a worldly sense, as
he is that God's honor be vindicated
and His purposes be accomplished.
Unity is not achieved in a day.
Christians must work for unity—
grow up into it. They must let God
have His way in their lives,
transforming the carnal nature which
they inherited as sons of Adam to the
spiritual nature that they may have in
Christ. At the same time, the unity of
the church does not require
uniformity. "The apostles differed
widely in habits and
disposition."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 296.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Only One
(Eph. 4:5)
2.
One in Christ
(John 17:23)
3.
Secret of Unity
(Phil. 2:5)
4.
Need of Unity
(Matt. 12:25)
5.
Growth Into Unity
(Eph. 4:15)
6.
Barriers to Unity
(1 Cor.
3:9)
United in Christ
LESSON 8
❑
Sunday
February 15
Part 1
How simple the words of Paul emphasizing that there is only
ONLY ONE one church:
"One Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Eph. 4:5).
Paul argues that we as church members should maintain
peace and unity within our ranks (verse 3). It is so easy to divide
up in factions, to find fault with one another, to go off into
different directions. Church members should remember that we
have only one God who calls, only one Christ to offer hope, only
one Spirit who sanctifies, only one gospel to which we can
adhere, and only one Lord in whose name and one body into
which we are baptized. Since this is true, how can
the
church be
divided?
How did experience confirm prophecy as the council at
Jerusalem recognized that all people can belong to one
church? Acts 15:12-19.
The Jews had long considered themselves the people of God,
and they were. God had chosen them to be His representatives.
But they had excluded the Gentiles from the circle of salvation.
They set up barriers between themselves and all other people.
But Peter found, in the home of Cornelius, that it does not
matter to what race a person belongs. God is no respecter of
persons. He "accepts men from every nation who fear him and
do what is right" (Acts 10:35, NIV). Furthermore, Paul and Bar-
nabas told the council "how the Gentiles had been converted"
under their ministry (Acts 15:3, 4, NW). James finally clinched
the whole case by quoting from the Old Testament to show that
the Gentiles were very much in God's plan.
By what words concerning Jesus did Caiaphas speak better
than he knew? John 11:51, 52.
The psalmist says that the wrath of man praises God. (See Ps.
76:10.) (Balaam could not but bless Israel, though he was hired
to pronounce a curse.) So here the high priest makes a
prophecy that Jesus would die for the Jews. And not for the
Jews only, for He would "gather together into one the children
of God that were scattered abroad" (John 11:52). Jesus is in-
deed the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. (See
John 1:29.)
Jesus Himself told the disciples that He was concerned about
others beside the children of Israel. (See John 10:16.) Then he
added that there would be one fold and one Shepherd.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why would God be as interested in the Gentiles as In the
Jews?
FURTHER STUDY
Rom. 12:3-21;
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 188-195.
66
United in Christ
LESSON 8
❑
Monday
February 16
Part 2
ONE IN
CHRIST
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
When Jesus prayed for His disciples, what special request
did He make?
"I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete
unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved
them even as you have loved me" (John 17:23, NIV).
Unity is a divine characteristic. No closer unity can be found
than that in the Trinity. Jesus prays that His disciples may enjoy
that same unity to the end of time.
The unity in the church is a personal unity. It springs from
faith and an opening of the heart to Christ. (See Rev. 3:20.) It
results in open communication and divine direction in the life.
How close was the unity that Paul experienced with his
Lord? Acts 18:9-11.
Paul always knew what to do; and, when he did it, God
blessed him abundantly.
Such a unity means that the disciple will go into the world just
as Jesus was sent into the world. (See John 17:18.) Yet he will
always be different from it (verse 16). In the world he will witness
to truth—a truth which sets him apart as holy (verse 17). And his
testimony will be effective, because the world will see the effect
of God's presence in his life. He will testify to the goodness and
love of God (verses 18, 23).
Whatever the race or nationality of Christ's followers, they are
one in Him. (See Gal. 3:28.) When one considers how differ-
ences in culture and race can divide, this unity is remarkable.
"The unity of the church is the convincing evidence that God
has sent Jesus into the world as its Redeemer. This is an argu-
ment which worldlings cannot controvert. Therefore Satan is
constantly working to prevent this union and harmony, that
unbelievers, by witnessing backsliding, dissension, and strife
among professed Christians, may become disgusted with reli-
gion and be confirmed in their impenitence. God is dishonored
by those who profess the truth while they are at variance and
enmity with one another. Satan is the great accuser of the
brethren, and all who engage in this work are enlisted in his
service."—Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 620.
What means does God provide for believers to become
partakers of the divine nature? 2 Peter 1:4.
We may escape the corruption that is in the world, because it
is Christ in us who is "the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27).
How much effort does it require of us to have Christ in us?
1 Cor. 10:16, 17;
Testimonies,
vol. 8, pp. 239-243.
67
United in Christ
LESSON 8
❑
Tuesday
February 17
Part 3
What trait did Paul want the members of the church at
SECRET Philippi to have?
OF UNITY
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus"
(Phil. 2:5).
The NIV translates this verse: "Your attitude should be the
same as that of Christ Jesus." The
NEB
has it: "Let your bearing
towards one another arise out of your life in Christ Jesus." Our
attitudes determine our bearing, and our bearing springs from
an inner disposition. What we are inside determines what we are
outside, if we are truly sincere.
To the Christian, the example of Jesus is compelling. No other
example in history comes anywhere near it. Here is One who
was equal with God, yet He did not hang on to that equality
selfishly as many of us would have done! On the contrary, He
made Himself as nothing—for what is man, that God should be
mindful of him? And as a man He took on the humble duties of a
slave, serving those who turned their backs on Him. Finally, He
submitted to the indignities of death by crucifixion—the mind
reels to consider such commitment. (See verses 6-8.)
What contrasting spirit does Isaiah attribute to Lucifer? Isa.
14:13, 14.
The secret of unity for the Christian is to be imbued with the
Spirit of Christ. He does not compare himself with anyone else,
imagining that he is better. (See Phil. 2:3.) He does not desire to
be placed higher than another, becoming jealous if someone
seems to have an advantage over him. In fact, he is just as
interested in the welfare of others as he is in his own (verse 4).
How, according to Paul, is this kind of action and attitude
possible for the Christian? Phil. 2:13.
The honor and glory goes to God, who makes such a spirit
and such a life possible. He is the One who "energizes" (Gk.
energe6—translated "worketh" in KJV) in the verse above.
At the same time, there is a working out of one's own salvation
"with fear and trembling" (verse 12). Christians must set goals
and ever be mindful of their responsibilities as they go about
their various duties. Do they sometimes feel like complaining?
They must check their impulses. Do they feel like arguing about
what is said or done? They should remember that nothing is
gained by argument. (See verses 14, 15.)
THINK IT THROUGH
Why do so few believe that they are all that Christ would
have them to be?
FURTHER STUDY
Psalm 133;
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 677-680.
68
United in Christ
LESSON 8
❑
Wednesday
February 18
Part 4
Think of the way that Jesus pointed out the importance of
NEED unity, even outside the church.
OF UNITY
"Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every
kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and
every city or house divided against itself shall not stand"
(Matt. 12:25).
It is remarkable to what lengths people will go in order to
refuse the lordship of Christ. The Pharisees were prepared to
accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of the prince
of demons. Jesus gave them an irrefutable answer. Even Satan
would recognize the importance of loyalty within his own ranks.
But the unity of the church is important not merely because it
bolsters the church or because without it the church would fall.
The unity of the church is based on the unity of God and the
consistency of His plans. What God sets out to do, He will
accomplish. The group not united is just not truly a part of God's
church; it is not the group through which God is working out His
plans and purposes.
In what words did Paul show the Corinthians that their divi-
sions were ridiculous? 1 Cor. 1:13.
The church is always in danger of being carried away by some
charismatic leader. Members are often attached to certain indi-
viduals. Leaders must be careful about this and turn the eyes of
their converts to the true leader of the church—Jesus Christ.
In whom alone can the Christian glory? 1 Cor. 1:30, 31.
Pauls says that every member is in Christ, and Christ is every-
thing we need. Therefore, if we glory in anyone, we should glory
in God. It is always dangerous to glorify people—both to the one
glorified and the one glorifying. The former is in danger of
thinking of himself more highly than he ought; the latter is in
danger of being led astray. Our safety as members and as a
church rests in recognizing the Source of all goodness—the
object of true worship—and in refusing to be turned aside by
any rival gods or influences.
Paul makes a strong appeal for unity in the church at Corinth.
(See 1 Cor. 1:10.) He wants members perfectly united in mind
and thought. We have to fit in with one another, making adjust-
ments as may be necessary. Church members vary in talents
and temperaments, and it takes conscious effort to adapt one-
self to varying people and circumstances.
THINK IT THROUGH
Would it be unwise to name the Seventh-day Adventist
Church after a pioneer or leader? If so, why?
FURTHER STUDY
Jer. 9:23, 24;
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 321-327.
69
United in Christ
LESSON 8
❑
Thursday
February 19
Part 5
GROWTH
INTO UNITY
What is Paul's prayer for every Christian?
"Speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all
things, which is the head, even Christ" (Eph. 4:15).
It is the God-given privilege of every living creature to grow
and reach maturity. So it must be with every Christian and the
church. Peter urges growth in grace and "the knowledge of ...
Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). He also indicates the means by
which we may grow. (See 1 Peter 2:2.) As we grow into Christ,
we grow into unity with one another.
"The unity that God requires must be cultivated day by day if
we would answer the prayer of Christ. The disunion that is
striving for existence among those who profess to believe the
last message of mercy to be given to the world, must find no
place; for it would be a fearful hindrance to the advancement of
God's work. His servants are to be one, as Christ is one with the
Father; their powers, illuminated, inspired, and sanctified, must
be united to make a complete whole. Those who love God and
keep His commandments are not to draw apart; they are to
press
together."—Testimonies,
vol. 8, pp. 174, 175.
Note the graciousness of Paul's address to the church at
Corinth. 1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Cor. 1:1.
With all its faults, the church at Corinth was still the "church
of God." "Enfeebled and defective as it may appear, the church
is the one object upon which God bestows in a special sense His
supreme regard. It is the theater of His grace, in which He
delights to reveal His power to transform hearts."—The
Acts of
the Apostles,
p. 12.
Is Paul pleased to recognize that there may be blemishes in
the church? 1 Cor. 11:19.
The word "heresy" used in the KJV is a strong word. The
Greek is translated "differences" in the NIV and "dissensions"
in the NEB. Differences of opinion do arise in the church, and
sometimes factions develop as a result.
Unity is a goal to be achieved: "My brethren, allow nothing to
come in that will separate you from one another or from God."
—Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 12.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the difference between unity and uniformity?
"Let us remember that Christian unity does not mean that the
identity of one person is to be submerged in that of another; nor
does it mean that the mind of one is to be led and controlled by
the mind of
another."—Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 212.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 263-267.
70
United in Christ
LESSON 8
❑
Friday
February 20
Part 6
As Paul describes the part that ministers play in the growth
BARRIERS of the church, how does he describe the church?
TO UNITY
"We are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's
building" (1 Cor. 3:9, NIV).
Paul says that he and others water and plant in the garden of
the Lord but that God gives the increase (verse 7). It is God who
takes the initiative and provides the power of spiritual growth.
The result must be attributed to Him and not to the human
agent.
When church members forget the supremacy of God in their
lives, they are apt to praise other persons who have been a
blessing to them. Every garden needs a "planter" and a "wa-
terer," but the church is God's garden, and to Him must go all
the praise and the glory. When we recognize God's ownership,
we will not be divided into parties and factions.
What serious condition exists among the members when
there are divisions? 1 Cor. 3:3.
"Carnal" in the KJV means "worldly" (NIV). The NEB trans-
lates this verse: "Can you not see that while there is jealousy
and strife among you, you are living on the purely human level of
your lower nature?"
"Paul had described four types of men. The first,
the natural
man,
is the man without the Spirit, who needs the new birth (cf.
John 3:1-8). The second is the
carnal-weak man
(1 Cor. 3:1), the
babe in Christ, who needs growth through reception of the milk
of the Word. The third type is the
carnal-willful man,
the older,
yet immature Christian, who needs restoration to fellowship, or
the healthy condition conducive to the taking of nourishment,
by confession of his willfulness, or sin (cf. 1 John 1:9). The
fourth is the
spiritual
or
mature man,
who has responded to the
milk and grown into spiritual adulthood, so that he has become
strong and able to take the meat of the Word (1 Cor. 2:15; 3:2).
This is the man God would have every Christian to be."—The
New Testament and Wycliffe Bible Commentary
(New York: The
Iversen-Norman Associates, 1971), p. 596.
Of the early disciples Ellen White has said: "No longer were
they ignorant and uncultured. No longer were they a collection
of independent units or of discordant and conflicting elements.
No longer were their hopes set on worldly greatness. They were
of 'one accord,' of one mind and one soul. Christ filled their
thoughts."—Education, p. 95.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why is unity through compromise often a false kind of unity?
FURTHER STUDY
Prov. 6:16-19; Gal. 5:16-21;
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp.
53-56.
71
9/ Disciplined by Love
LESSON 9 February 22-28
"Correct thy son, and he shall give
thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto
thy soul" (Prov. 29:17).
We are living in a day of
permissiveness, but we are
beginning to realize some of its
woes. We cannot refuse to correct
and control and expect to have .
people go the right way of their own
accord. We all need discipline.
Discipline is not arbitrary control.
It is not forcing'people to
one
way—the way of one individual or
group. It is the way of making
disciples. A disciple is one who has
accepted the principles of conduct of
another. It is much easier to control
than to persuade, but control that
does not employ the powers of
persuasion will not have a lasting
effect.
The Bible tells us that there is a
close correlation between love and
discipline. Because the church is
where love is, there must also be
discipline. God Himself disciplines
and thereby sets an example of what
parents and leaders in the church
should be prepared to do.
In our lesson this week we see that
God is the ideal disciplinarian. He is
always testing and trying us, because
He has our best interests at heart. If
we are ever to get into the kingdom,
we must be willing to submit to His
discipline.
As members of the church, we
must be prepared to discipline
ourselves—to keep our bodies
under, as Paul did. Many of us are
acquainted with slimming diets. We
diet to preserve our heafth and
perhaps our appearance. The same
principle applies to our spiritual
well-being. We need to exercise
proper control of our habits if we are
to live up to the spiritual privileges
that are ours.
Many of us are more anxious to
correct others than to correct
ourselves. There is a place for
correcting others. But there is a right
and a wrong way of dealing with
others when they are in the wrong,
and only when we follow biblical
principles are we likely to be helpful.
The church is far from being a
perfect society. There are always
those who need to be gently led to
see their error. Some are great
talkers. If their speech were always
seasoned with grace, there would be
no problem. But sometimes they are
critical, and their criticism
undermines what the Spirit of God is
trying to do. Such people must be
helped graciously.
When a church member lives in
open sin, there is a responsibility
placed on the church to safeguard
the interests of the church, on the
one hand, and to bring the guilty
party to a realization of the
seriousness of his course, on the
other. Paul had no question in his
mind as to what needed to be done.
Do you think that you could engage
in such corrective work and yet
maintain humility and love for the
sinner? At all times we must
remember justice and mercy. Each
has its place, and neither should
neutralize the other. One needs
more than human wisdom to be able
to manifest these graces.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Divine Discipline
(Heb. 12:6)
2.
Self-control
(1 Cor. 9:27)
3.
Correcting Others
(Matt. 18:15)
4.
Need for Discipline
(Titus 1:10)
5.
Church Discipline
(1 Cor. 5:5)
6.
Justice and Mercy
(Col. 3:12)
Disciplined by
Love
LESSON 9
❑
Sunday
February 22
Part 1
What does God do to those whom He loves?
DIVINE
DISCIPLINE
"Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every
son whom he receiveth" (Heb. 12:6).
The writer to the Hebrews quotes from Proverbs 3:11, 12 to
point out that a loving relationship between father and son
includes correction and discipline. It must be expected, there-
fore, that God will treat His children in the same way.
Discipline is never easy to take, but the results can be good.
(See Heb. 12:11.) The discipline given by an earthly parent can
be mistaken; not so that which comes from God.
Not all children accept the discipline of their parents. They
may refuse to be subject to their parents and go their own way.
Some people do that with God. So long as there is freedom of
choice on the part of an individual, discipline can fail in its
objectives.
What is the objective of divine discipline? Deut. 8:2-5.
Man does not always know what is best for him. But God does.
Therefore, in His love and mercy, He permits people to come
into various situations so they can learn from their experiences.
One thing they must learn is that they are wholly dependent
upon the Word of God for guidance and well-being.
Just as a child does not always understand why a parent
insists on certain forms of conduct, so we may fail to under-
stand why God has permitted us to pass through certain difficult
circumstances. In such cases we must depend on the love of
God, recognizing that His love and wisdom exceed those of a
parent. Our faith in God must not fail, and the experience borne
with patience will fit us to serve God and our fellowman better.
What is one of God's purposes for us? 2 Peter
3:9.
God has one basic purpose for all of us: that we may repent of
our sins and turn to Him for salvation. All that He does or permits
to happen has this one goal. We should therefore be willing to
accept all God's plans for us and be grateful for all His provi-
dences.
There can be serious consequences if we do not repent and
accept Christ as our salvation. (See Rev. 2:5.) It is always in our
best interest to listen to the Word of God and act accordingly.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why is God so concerned that we do His will?
FURTHER STUDY
Job 5:17;
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 344-348.
74
Disciplined by
Love
LESSON 9
❑
Monday
February 23
Pad 2
As a Christian, why did Paul find it necessary to exercise
SELF- self-control?
CONTROL
"I keep under my body, and bring It into subjection: lest that
by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself
should be a castaway" (1 Cor. 9:27).
Paul draws a parallel between the life of an athlete and the life
of a Christian. They both seek to win in a race, and they both
need to be "temperate in all things" (verse 25). This latter
phrase means to go "into strict training" (NIV).
"A noble character is not the result of accident; it is not due to
special favors or endowments of Providence. It is the result of
self-discipline, of subjection of the lower to the higher nature, of
the surrender of self to the service of God and
man."—Prophets
and Kings,
p. 488.
How strong are the influences of the body upon the mind
and soul?
"The body is a most important medium through which the
mind and the soul are developed for the upbuilding of charac-
ter. Hence it is that the adversary of souls directs his tempta-
tions to the enfeebling and degrading of the physical powers....
Intellectual power, physical stamina, and the length of life de-
pend upon immutable laws. Through obedience to these laws,
man may stand conqueror of himself, conqueror of his own
inclinations, conqueror of principalities and powers, of 'the
rulers of the darkness of this world,' and of 'spiritual wicked-
ness in high places.' Ephesians
6:12."—Prophets and Kings,
pp. 488, 489.
What is one area in which self-control needs to be exer-
cised? Dan. 1:8.
The Christian observes the laws of health in matters of diet.
He does not indulge merely in what he likes, but he makes sure
that he gets a well-rounded and balanced diet.
"Daniel and his associates had been trained by their parents
to habits of strict temperance. They had been taught that God
would hold them accountable for their capabilities, and that
they must never dwarf or enfeeble their powers. This education
was to Daniel and his companions the means of their preserva-
tion amidst the demoralizing influences of the court of
Babylon."—Prophets
and Kings,
p. 482.
THINK IT THROUGH
Give examples of the greater freedom to be found in a life of
self-control rather than in a life of self-indulgence.
FURTHER STUDY
Phil. 3:13, 14;
Prophets and Kings,
pp. 482-490;
Education,
pp. 54-58.
75
Disciplined by
Love
LESSON 9
❑
Tuesday
February 24
Part 3
If a church member sees a fault in someone else, how
CORRECTING should he deal with the situation?
OTHERS
"If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him
his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee,
thou hast gained thy brother" (Matt. 18:15). (See also Matt.
5:23, 24.)
Members of the church need to be sure they are doing what is
right themselves. If everyone did what was right, there would be
no problem. But this ideal does not exist. Someone is always
trangressing the rights of another.
We are counseled to take these three steps:
1.
Go to the one who has offended and speak to him person-
ally. In most cases this is the end of the matter. The trouble is
that most people express their grievances to everyone except
the one concerned, and thus the matter becomes aggravated.
2.
If the matter is not resolved in the first step, then take one
or two witnesses so that there will be clear evidence of the
grievance involved (verse 16). Very often the presence of a third
and fourth party will lead to a better understanding of the situa-
tion; and, with a little "give and take," the matter can be re-
solved.
3.
But sometimes even the second step does not resolve the
issue, because of the deep feelings of those concerned or
perhaps because of a strong dose of obstinacy. The third step is
to take the matter to the church. A larger group is now involved
in hearing and judging the case. Presumably the church mem-
bers will
be
understanding and fair and will act justly as well as
mercifully.
When the guilty party will not listen to the judgment of the
church and act accordingly, what is the church to do? Matt.
18:17.
By rejecting the authority of the church, the guilty one obvi-
ously puts himself outside the circle of the church.
"Our Lord teaches that matters of difficulty between Chris-
tians are to be settled within the church. They should not be
opened before those who do not fear God. If a Christian is
wronged by his brother, let him not appeal to unbelievers in a
court of justice."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
pp. 248, 249.
The church member is not only responsible for his own right-
doing, but he is his brother's keeper as well.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why should the Christian always
be
willing to forgive a
wrongdoer who asks for forgiveness?
FURTHER STUDY
Gal. 6:1; James 5:16-20;
Christ's Object Lessons,
"The Mea-
sure of Forgiveness," pp. 248-251.
76
Disciplined by
Love
LESSON 9
❑
Wednesday
February
25
Part 4
Why is a certain amount of discipline necessary in the
NEED FOR church?
DISCIPLINE
"There are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers,
specially they of the circumcision" (Titus 1:10).
Some people are always "unruly," in the sense that they will
not accept any rule as applying to themselves. Rebellious under
any administration, they find fault with anything that is done.
They cannot lead themselves, but neither will they be led. They
are usually grumblers and complainers. At the same time they
are great talkers. They do not keep their thoughts to themselves,
but they must fill someone else's ears with their ideas. Usually
they do not say anything constructive; so their talk is a waste of
time.
Often people who are self-righteous are critical of the church.
They may have some favorite idea that they harp on. They may
be intelligent and well-read and may have researched their
projects. But instead of pulling with the church, they pull
against it. They pretend to want to reform the church, but in fact
what they seem to want is for everyone else to accept their
viewpoint.
What does Paul say ought to be done regarding such mem-
bers in the church? Titus 1:11
Some people must be plainly advised to stop promoting their
propaganda. Perhaps the church pastor should take the lead in
this. But the members also have a part to play; they can decline
to accept publications critical of God's truth. They must always
be gentle and Christian in these matters, neither prejudging nor
declining to recognize in themselves the possiblity of holding
an unsound position.
How should a person be rebuked when he causes dishar-
mony in the church? Titus 1:13.
The purpose of plainly rebuking those who cause division and
disharmony in the church is to bring them to a realization of the
seriousness of their situation and the importance of making a
change. Too many avoid taking disciplinary measures and
would rather let someone else do the work. But to face wrong-
doing squarely and call it by its right name has a strengthening
effect on faith. It safeguards the truth and purity of the church.
THINK IT THROUGH
Where can one find the courage to speak the truth in love
and even to rebuke if necessary?
FURTHER STUDY
James 5:20;
Testimonies, vol.
7, pp. 261-264; vol. 3, p. 428.
77
Disciplined by
Love
LESSON 9
❑
Thursday
February 26
Part 5
What did Paul expect the church at Corinth to do with a
CHURCH member who lived in open sin?
DISCIPLINE
"To deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the
flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord
Jesus" (1 Cor. 5:5).
Paul is quite clear that open sin cannot be tolerated in the
church. Apparently there was a case of incest in the church at
Corinth, and the church members had done nothing about it.
(See verses 1, 2.) They were not even concerned that no disci-
plinary action had been taken.
Good reason exists for acting definitively in such matters. The
church must be pure, and no known, flagrant sin can be toler-
ated in it. Furthermore, the power of example is strong; and if
others see sin going unpunished, they may be encouraged to
indulge in the same.
Disciplinary action must be taken for the good of the
wrongdoer, who must know definitely that certain actions can-
not go uncondemned. But the wrongdoer should also be made
to understand clearly that while his actions may be condemned,
he as a person is not.
To deliver a person over to Satan is strong language to de-
scribe discipline. What does it mean? It means to say that if a
person has decided to follow in the way of Satan, then he had
better go out of the church and into the world to be in the
domain of Satan. (See 1 John 5:19.) The church cannot be a
center of wickedness.
What example do we have in which Paul exercised this form
of discipline toward two individuals? 1 Tim. 1:20.
His purpose was that "they may learn not to blaspheme."
Discipline, even of the severest kind, is to be therapeutic in
nature and intent.
In the case of incest, the purpose of discipline was that the
guilty party should come to realize the seriousness of the sin
and forsake it. Sometimes it takes a strict measure to impress
upon the mind the necessity for making a change.
Under what conditions should severe measures sometimes
be taken? Matt. 5:29, 30.
Surgery is sometimes necessary in order to save the whole
body. A little pain inflicted on a member is better than the loss of
the whole congregation.
THINK IT THROUGH
What reasons would you give for the exercise of great care
in the removal of anyone from membership in the church?
FURTHER STUDY
Luke 17:3, 4;
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 303-308.
78
Disciplined by
Love
LESSON 9
❑
Friday
February 27
Part 6
Consider prayerfully how members of the church should
JUSTICE relate to one another.
AND MERCY
"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness,
Iongsuffering" (Col. 3:12).
Mercy is not opposed to justice; it confirms it. Because mercy
has been shown, justice is elevated all the more.
The Christian must guard against a haughty spirit of
condemnation—a spirit of self-righteousness leading him to
judge the wrongdoer. If he adopts a holier-than-thou attitude,
he becomes as guilty before God as the one he presumes to
judge. There are many hidden factors in every situation that
make it difficult for any human being to judge fairly.
Why should the Christian be slow to judge another? 1 Cor.
4:5.
Whatever goodness we have comes from God; whatever vic-
tories we may have gained are because of His power. Therefore
we have no cause to boast about anything we have, and we must
relate to others in humility and meekness. This does not mean
that we do not deal seriously with open sin, but it does mean that
we do so with a sense of personal unworthiness. (See 2 Tim.
2:24-26.)
Notice how Jesus treated the woman taken in adultery. Did
He minimize the sinfulness of her acts by what He said? John
8:11.
The woman knew that Jesus was merciful and that He under-
stood her situation. Her heart went out in gratitude to God, and
she wanted never to sin again. Mercy does not deny sin but
makes the sinner stronger in his fight against sin.
On the other hand, human beings want to "maintain" disci-
pline. It is often felt that if sin goes unpunished then the "law is
slacked" (Flab. 1:4). But there is a danger in overemphasizing
stern punishment. Hence Paul indicates that the Christian must
be prepared to forgive. (See 2 Cor. 2:6, 7.)
Some want to maintain their authority and feel they are let
down if punishment is not exacted. They are like Jonah, who
wanted his word maintained and the people of Nineveh de-
stroyed. But God showed him how small he was. (See Jonah
4:1-11.)
THINK IT THROUGH
What are the sins in others that we find most difficult to
forgive?
FURTHER STUDY
Micah 6:6-8;
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The
Beatitudes" (Matt. 5:7), pp. 21-24.
79
Call t Serve
LESSON 10 March 1-7
"Fight the good fight of faith, lay
hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art
also called, and hast professed a good
profession before many witnesses"
(1 Tim. 6:12).
Paul, writing to Timothy (whom he
calls a "man of God" in verse 11),
urges the young minister to keep
well away from the practices of the
world. In the world, he says, is a
rejection of the teachings of Christ
(verse 3). People argue about issues
far from the truth (verse 5). They love
money, and in pursuit of it some will
hesitate at nothing. Consequently,
they cause themselves and others
much suffering (verse 10). By
contrast, the man of God is to follow
after "righteousness, godliness,
faith, love, patience, meekness"
(verse 11).
The member of the church differs
from the man in the world in that his
interests and goals are entirely
different. In this lesson we look at
some of those differences.
First of all, the primary concern of
the Christian is to be an effective
witness for his Lord. This arises
naturally out of his experience. God
has been so good to him that he gives
glory to God at all times and in every
circumstance.
He
shows that the
service of God brings untold
blessings. He does not have to be a
skilled preacher in order to witness.
He does not have
to know the Bible
as a scholar. All he needs to do is to
testify to what he has seen and heard.
Remember, the blind man whom
Jesus healed said simply to the
Jewish leaders, "Whereas I was
blind, now I see" (John 9:25). There
is no stronger witness than that
which comes from personal
experience.
The member of the church is a
diligent student of the Word. He
knows that the Word of God is his
life, and he studies it every day. He
shares with others the truths he has
learned. The Bible is the light that
keeps him from error and the truth
that saves him from all heresies.
The Christian must be concerned
about his health. He knows that his
body is the temple of the Holy Spirit;
therefore he seeks to keep it free of
all defilement—physical and moral.
Certain meats he knows to be
unclean according to the Scripture;
so he avoids eating them. He also
avoids beverages that stimulate his
nerves unnecessarily or cause him to
lose full control of his senses. He
shuns the drugs used by many to
escape reality, for his life is dedicated
to God and His service.
As a citizen of the world, the
Christian knows he has obligations
to his government and nation. He
knows that God has ordained
authorities to maintain peace and
order. He is law-abiding and
responsible. He realizes that only
when the requirements of men
infringe on the laws of God must he
insist on recognizing the higher
authority. (See Acts 5:29.)
The Christian is more concerned
about the welfare of others than
about his own interests. Thus his life
is one of blessing to others. Children
need to be brought up in the nurture
and admonition of the Lord. The
poor need to be provided with the
necessities of life. Strangers and
members of the church need to be
shown hospitality. He imitates his
Master in going about doing good.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Witnessing for Christ
(Mark 16:15)
2.
Studying the Word
(Acts 17:11)
3.
Caring for the Body
(1 Cor. 16:19)
4.
Loyalty to Authorities
(Rom. 13:1)
5.
Caring for Widows and Orphans
(James 1:27)
6.
Training the Youth
(Prov. 22:6)
Called to Serve
LESSON 10
❑
Sunday
March 1
Part 1
WITNESSING
FOR CHRIST
What commission did Jesus give to the church?
"He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the
gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15).
The objective of preaching the gospel is that men, women,
and children may be saved (verse 16). But not all will listen to the
gospel or accept it. Thus the preaching of the gospel gives
everyone an opportunity to decide his destiny, because the
alternatives are clear: salvation or damnation.
The preaching of the gospel has no limits. It must go to "every
nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" (Rev. 14:6).
Wherever they are and wherever they go, church members are
to be witnesses of what Jesus has done for them. They call all to
repentance and promise them forgiveness in Christ's name.
(See Luke 24:47, 48.)
Not all are called to go as missionaries to foreign lands, but all
may have a part in the missionary enterprise by raising the
necessary funds to finance the undertaking. And all may be
witnesses in their homes and neighborhoods. Some will give up
the
companionship of sons and daughters so that the interests
of missions may be served.
What does Christ enjoin all Christians to do? Matt. 5:16.
Jesus is the "true Light" (John 1:9), and He lights every man.
The Christian is to reflect that light. The light of God's love can
bring joy to people who live in the darkness of ignorance and
superstition. But it does not follow that people will accept the
light. Unfortunately, many people prefer darkness to light.
Why do people prefer darkness to light? John 3:19.
Some people do not want to change their ways. They delight
in doing evil. They feel that the light of the gospel may restrict
their freedom. They do not seem to realize that they are bound
by their sin and finally destined to lose their lives in bitter
self-condemnation. The truth makes you and me free—free to
enjoy an abundant life here in this world and eternal life in the
world to come. (See John 10:10.)
The preaching of the gospel is accompanied by the rite of
baptism for all who accept Jesus as their personal Saviour. This
rite symbolizes the fact that our old man of sin has been buried
and that a new man has risen out of the water, just as Christ was
raised from the dead. The Christian henceforth walks in "new-
ness of life" (Rom. 6:4).
THINK IT THROUGH
What provisions has God made for the church to carry out its
gospel commission?
FURTHER STUDY
Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8;
Testimonies,
vol. 9, pp. 19-29.
82
Called to Serve
LESSON 10
❑
Monday
March 2
Part 2
In what particular did Luke contrast the Jews in Berea with
STUDYING those in Thessalonica?
THE WORD
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that
they received the word with all readiness of mind, and
searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so"
(Acts 17:11).
"The minds of the Bereans were not narrowed by prejudice.
They were willing to investigate the truthfulness of the doctrines
preached by the apostles. They studied the Bible, not from
curiosity, but in order that they might learn what had been
written concerning the promised Messiah. Daily they searched
the inspired records, and as they compared scripture with scrip-
ture, heavenly angels were beside them, enlightening their
minds and impressing their hearts. . . .
"
If, in the closing scenes of earth's history, those to whom
testing truths are proclaimed would follow the example of the
Bereans, searching the Scriptures daily, and comparing with
God's word the messages brought them, there would today be a
large number loyal to the precepts of God's law, where now
there are comparatively few."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pp.
231, 232.
What advice did Paul give to Timothy as a young minister?
1 Tim. 4:13.
Paul was an avid reader. Only by reading and study can we
test our beliefs. That which is written serves as a testimony that
is safer than the oral word. It was by quoting what was written
that Jesus overcame temptation in the wilderness. The Ten
Commandments were written on two tables of stone, and some-
times John the revelator was told to write down what he saw.
(See Rev. 1:19; 2:1; 14:13; 21:5.)
Why were God's messages written down? Rom. 15:4.
The Christian who earnestly studies the Bible is strong in
faith. As Jesus said, the Scriptures testify of Him. (See John
5:39.)
The church that makes the Bible the object of its study will
stand for truth though the heavens fall. (See 2 Tim. 2:15; Rom.
15:4.)
What can the Bible do for the believer? 2 Tim. 3:15.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is the Sabbath School really important to the church? Why
do some members not attend? What might I do about it?
FURTHER STUDY
Pss. 19:7, 8; 119:9-11; John 5:39;
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp.
524-526;
Education,
pp. 123-127.
83
Called to Serve
LESSON 10
❑
Tuesday
March 3
Part 3
CARING FOR
THE BODY
What attitude does the Christian have toward his body?
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy
Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not
your own?" (1 Cor. 6:19).
Christians have a healthy respect for their bodies. They do not
consider that the flesh is inherently evil and must be abandoned
as soon as possible. They do not make an unscriptural distinc-
tion between soul and body. When God breathed the breath of
life into the nostrils of the man He had created from the dust of
the earth, man became a "living being" (Gen. 2:7, RSV).
What is Paul's testimony concerning the need for the Chris-
tian to keep his body under the control of the higher nature?
1 Cor. 9:27.
Because of man's fallen nature, the body wants to be pam-
pered; but the Christian does not let the body have its own way.
The body is to serve God, and the Christian dedicates his whole
being to God.
Since the body is the.temple of the Holy Spirit, and thus the
channel through which the Holy Spirit can be active in com-
municating and saving, it must be kept in a good condition. The
mind needs to be clear and the limbs supple and strong. Only in
this way can the Christian bring maximum glory to God.
What promise did God make to the children of Israel which
indicates His interest in health and freedom from disease? Ex.
15:26.
The Bible is full of good counsel regarding eating and drink-
ing habits. God at first provided a diet of fruits, grains, and nuts.
(See Gen. 1:29.) After sin, the herb of the field was added to the
diet (Gen. 3:18). As a result of the Flood, God permitted the use
of flesh food (Gen. 9:3); but this was restricted to clean meats.
(See Leviticus 11.) Blood was not to be eaten. (See Gen. 9:4.)
Common wine is intoxicating, and anything that leads to
drunkenness is an abomination. The drunkard is excluded from
the kingdom of God. (See 1 Cor. 6:9, 10.) Except as medication,
we are not to take anything into the body that dulls the judgment
or impairs our sense of right and wrong. (See Prov. 31:4, 5; Lev.
10:8-10.)
THINK IT THROUGH
Think of examples illustrating that a person who is sick is
not always so because he has disobeyed the rules of health.
FURTHER STUDY
3 John 2; Ps. 42:11;
Education,
pp. 202-206.
84
Called to Serve
LESSON 10
❑
Wednesday
March 4
Part 4
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there
LOYALTY TO is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of
AUTHORITIES God" (Rom. 13:1).
It is difficult to see how a government is ordained of God when
it engages in injustice and puts to death those who have a right
to life. (The God of justice bestows the gift of eternal life.) All
governments have their weaknesses because of the human
element, yet generally speaking they are set up to be respected
and supported except when they violate conscience.
What is the Christian's proper attitude toward govern-
ments? Rom. 13:1, 2.
The Christian pays his taxes and contributes to public ser-
vices. By obeying the laws of the land he avoids the arm of the
law, which Paul describes as "the minister of God" (verse 4). He
is not found among the lawbreakers, but is a positive influence
for good.
This does not mean that the Christian is uncritical of the
government that controls his political life. He will speak his
mind in favor of truth and righteousness. If he knows that he has
political or civil rights, he will ask that they be granted him, as
when Paul claimed his rights as a Roman citizen. (See Acts
22:25.)
Yet the Christian will follow the example of his Master and
submit to injustice when necessary in giving a testimony. The
early Christians were often placed under arrest and put in
prison, but such occasions brought glory to God. (See Acts
12:5-11; 16:25-31.)
THINK IT THROUGH
Can the Christian expect that he will never be treated un-
justly? Matt. 24:9.
The Christian speaks the right word at the right time and
endures to the end (verse 13). He is promised that he will be
given the right words to speak on every occasion if his com-
munications are open with God. (See Matt. 10:19, 20.)
Should the Christian be pessimistic about the success of
programs designed to improve the world situation politically
and economically?
FURTHER STUDY
Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17; 2 Tim. 3:1-9;
Testimonies,
vol. 6, pp.
394-397.
85
Called to Serve
LESSON 10
❑
Thursday
March 5
Part 5
CARING FOR
WIDOWS AND
ORPHANS
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is
this, To visit the fatherless and widows In their affliction, and
to keep himself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27).
To the one who thinks of religion in terms of keeping the
commandments, this definition must come as a shock! Is not
religion a relationship with God? Of course it is! But the closer
one is to God and Jesus Christ, the closer he is to anyone for
whom Christ died.
In what words does John bring out the close connection
between love for God and love for man? 1 John 4:20, 21.
With comparative ease we may say, I love God. We feel it is the
right thing to say, and we say it. The proof of whether we do love
God or not is seen in whether we love our fellowman. Once
again, it is comparatively easy to speak in generalities and say
that we love all men. The question is, Do we love those with
whom we come in contact every day? Are we concerned about
their welfare? Do we work for their good? Or are there some
who make us unhappy? Are there some we positively do not
like?
How does Paul describe the way the Christian ought to
relate to those around him? Rom. 12:13-16.
The Christian keeps himself unspotted from the world, but he
does not separate himself from it. He is in the world to bring a
knowledge of the love of God and His constant care to all those
he meets. This is to be the witness of the church in every locality.
How does the psalmist describe the blessings that come to
the one who Is considerate of the poor? Ps. 41:1-3.
Some people find it difficult to give, but this is only an evi-
dence that they do not have the spirit of Christ. (See Acts 20:35.)
The Bible speaks out against those who are inconsiderate of the
poor. (See Prov. 21:13.) Helping others should not be limited to
those who have money. Peter said he had no money, but he had
something infinitely more valuable to give. (See Acts 3:6.)
THINK IT THROUGH
Which is easier to do: to weep with those who weep or to
rejoice with those who rejoice?
FURTHER STUDY
Ex. 23:11; Lev. 19:9, 10; Ps. 9:18; Gal. 2:10;
Christ's Object
Lessons,
"Who Is My Neighbour?" pp. 385-389.
86
Called to Serve
LESSON 10
❑
Friday
March 6
Part 6
TRAINING
THE YOUTH
What injunction is given parents regarding their children?
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old,
he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6).
Children are "an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3). They are
not only a blessing to the parents, but a responsibility. Parents
who neglect their children or abuse them will someday have to
answer to God.
Notice the way Jesus expressed His concern for children
and emphasized the importance of caring for their spiritual
interests. Matt. 19:14.
The importance of children to the well-being of society and
their place in worship is not always realized. Their training is
often neglected while parents pursue other interests. But no
investment produces greater results than that of spending time
with children and answering their many questions. Mother
wants to talk with her neighbors and friends. Father wants to
read the newspaper or indulge in his hobbies. In such situations
children go off and play by themselves, and perhaps they will
learn many things it would be better they not know.
With what words has the psalmist indicated that children
may be a source of strength? Ps. 8:2.
Jesus quoted this text to the Jewish leaders when they were
displeased by the welcome the children gave Him as He rode
into Jerusalem. (See Matt. 21:16.) Often we think children are
not old enough to understand or to make decisions or to take a
leading part in church activities. But parents should know how
often children can be surprisingly wise and understanding.
The church that has many children in its midst is obviously a
growing church, because one day the boys and girls will be able
to make their decisions for Christ and join the family of God. But
the church must be sure that everything is done to keep the little
ones within the fold. In modern society it is not easy, nor is it
often practical, for parents to teach their own children. The
church must provide a school in which the principles of the
Bible are taught by precept and practice. This is the basis of a
church school system. Only that church which teaches the
importance of Christian education lives up to its fullest respon-
sibilities.
THINK IT THROUGH
Suggest ways in which parents can show their children that
they are concerned about their religious education.
FURTHER STUDY
Judges 13:2-24; 1 Sam. 3:12, 13;
The Desire of Ages,
pp.
511-517.
87
/Order for Efficiency
LESSON 11 March 8-14
"Thou shalt bring in the table, and
set in order the things that are to be set
in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in
the candlestick, and light the lamps
thereof" (Ex. 40:4).
One cannot read the account of
the Exodus of the children of Israel
from the land of Egypt without being
impressed by the detail of its
organization. God was very explicit
in the details regarding the Passover.
(See Exodus 12.) Only if the children
of Israel did what they were told
could they expect to have God's
promises fulfilled to them.
God gave detailed instruction for
the building of the tabernacle. (See
Exodus 25.) It was to be according to
a pattern shown on the mount. (See
verse 40.) The robes of the priests
and the various sacrifices were all
ordained by God. Everything was to
be in order. Even the words of
blessing to be used by the Aaronic
priesthood were given by God. (See
Num. 6:23-27.)
Why all this detail? Because
everything that God does, from
Creation to redemption, is related to
His nature. He knows what is best
and wants the best. Order is a part of
His being, and everything He sets up
is orderly and efficient. Sin has
brought disorder into the universe;
but when sin is destroyed,
everything created will be restored
to its original perfection. The laws of
the universe will be obeyed with
infinite precision.
It is not surprising, then, that the
church should partake of divine
order and system. Every part is to
function in perfect harmony with
every other part. In this way it reflects
the glory of God.
In our lesson this week we shall
see how the church is organized for
efficiency. Paul told the church in
Corinth that the worship service
needed to be orderly and dignified,
with common sense prevailing.
Visitors ought to be able to
understand what is going on. Those
who speak should use a language
that is understood. No more than
one person should speak at the same
time. And the basic reason for all this
is that the God who is worshiped is a
God of order.
When Jesus sent His disciples out
to preach, He sent them two by two.
He also limited what they should take
with them and specified to what
areas they should go. Everything has
a proper time, and there is an
efficient way of using talent.
As the church increased in size,
the need arose for the appointment
of men who would serve tables. One
of these was the first Christian martyr
(Stephen); another was an evangelist
whose four daughters were
prophetesses. In this way the
apostles were free to spend their
time doing the work to which they
had been called.
As time passed and the church has
grown, there has developed a need
for a multitude of officers. This
organization was not seen in the
early church, because that church
was in its infancy. But the principle of
organization for efficiency is clear
enough in the Scripture to authorize
the setting up of new offices to meet
expanding needs.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1. A God of Order
(1 Cor. 14:40)
2. Order in Israel
(Ex. 18:18)
3. God's Army'
(2 Tim.
2:3)
4. Jesus Sends Disciples
(Mark
6:7)
5. Need for Structure
(Titus 1:5)
6. Organized, but Dead
(John 2:15)
Order for Efficiency
LESSON 11
❑
Sunday
March 8
Part 1
A GOD
OF ORDER
According to Paul, how should all the services of the church
be conducted?
"Let all things be done decently and in order" (1 Cor. 14:40).
The reason for this, says Paul, is that "God is not the author of
confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints"
(verse 33).
A study of these verses in context indicates that Paul was not
pleased with the worship services in Corinth. With no previous
planning, everyone felt free to get up and have his say in the
midst of the congregation. (See verse 26.)
What are some of the sound principles of church order laid
down by Paul?
1.
Worship services must make sense so that visitors coming
in can understand what is being said and done (verse 23).
2.
Whatever is said should be understandable to those who
listen and should bring home the truths of the Bible (verse 24).
3.
Visitors should be impressed that God meets with His
people in the worship service.
4.
The purpose of all worship is that the members may be
strengthened (verse 26), encouraged, and instructed (verse 27).
5.
When anyone speaks, the rest must remain silent. There
must be order in the presentation of the message from God
(verses 29-31).
To what authorities is Paul prepared to appeal in support of
his own authority for the counsel he is giving the church?
1 Cor. 14:37.
Church services are not occasions when people are to come
and display their talents, ask their personal questions, or ignore
what anyone else says while they do their talking. The church
service must bring honor to God by being orderly, and it must
meet the needs of the people by being clear and understand-
able.
Paul's words regarding women and their part in the church
service must be understood in the context of the church in
Corinth. In some places today women ordinarily do not take the
lead in religious services. Their doing so could cause misun-
derstandings and negative response to the gospel.
THINK IT THROUGH
What improvements do you think might be made in the
worship services of your church?
FURTHER STUDY
John 20:6,
7; The Desire of Ages,
p. 789;
Patriarchs and
Prophets,
pp. 374-376;
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 95, 96.
90
Order for Efficiency
LESSON 11
❑
Monday
March 9
Part 2
ORDER IN
ISRAEL
What principle underlies Jethro's advice to Moses, suggest-
ing a decentralization of authority?
"Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that
is with thee; for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not
able to perform it thyself alone" (Ex. 18:18).
Jethro could see that the task of judging the people according
to the law of God was too much for one man. Moses and the
people were spending long days in careful deliberation of a
multitude of matters. Moses needed to get organized!
What sound counsel suggests that by the distribution of
responsibility more work could be done in less time? Ex.
18:19-26.
This did not mean that Moses shirked responsibility; he still
had to review important cases. But at least other matters could
be settled in lesser courts, and thus time and strength were
saved. It speaks well of Moses that he was willing to listen to
counsel from his father-in-law and to act accordingly.
What provision was made for order in the sanctuary ser-
vices? Lev. 1:1; 4:1; 6:1; 8:1; 11:1.
God gave Moses instructions asto how the various services of
the sanctuary were to be conducted. God was the real Leader in
the wilderness, and the children of Israel were to follow instruc-
tions carefully. God uses men as His instruments to carry out His
purposes, and in every phase of activity there is to be a well-
thought-out plan.
It is the same with the church. God is the true Leader, and
when the appointed human leaders in the church are in close
touch with God regarding their responsibilities, everything is
done efficiently and in order.
How closely did Jesus work with His Father in planning His
life and teaching? John 5:30; 8:28.
"Christ in His life on earth made no plans for Himself. He
accepted God's plans for Him, and day by day the Father un-
folded His plans. So should we depend upon God, that our lives
may be the simple outworking of His will. As we commit our
ways to Him, He will direct our steps."—The
Ministry of Healing,
p. 479.
THINK IT THROUGH
What help can be given people who think that they are the
only ones who can do a job efficiently?
FURTHER STUDY
Rom. 12:4, 5; Col. 1:18;
Testimonies to Ministers,
pp. 26, 28,
489, 495.
91
Order for Efficiency
LESSON 11
❑
Tuesday
March 10
Parl 3
What figure of speech does Paul use to describe his ideal
GOD'S for what Timothy ought to be as a Christian?
ARMY
"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of
Jesus Christ" (2 Tim.
2:3).
A popular hymn sung in the church begins:
"Onward Christian soldiers! marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before."
—The Church Hymnal,
no. 360.
The metaphor is a striking one because it is so apt. The
following is also true:
"Crown and thrones have perished, kingdoms ruled and
waned,
But the church of Jesus constant has remained.
Gates of hell can never 'gainst that church prevail;
We have Christ's own promise, that can never fail."
Everyone knows that an army is supposed to be well-
organized. There is to be order and discipline, planning and
strategy, one who leads and one who follows.
In what ways does Paul use this figure of speech to apply to
the church? 2 Tim. 2:4.
Paul points out two areas in which there are close similarities:
1.
Every soldier has a commanding officer, and every
member of the church has Jesus Christ as his Head.
2.
Just as a soldier concentrates on his soldiering because he
has been called to it, so the church member gives top priority to
his church responsibilities.
How is this warfare waged? Paul exemplified it in his own life.
At first he fought against the church, using political pressure
and violent measures. (See Gal. 1:13.) But on the way to Damas-
cus he was converted, and from then on he proved himself to be
the greatest missionary and the greatest theologian the world
has ever seen among men, apart from Christ. He dedicated his
life to one purpose—preaching the gospel. (See 1 Cor. 9:16.) He
endured hardness as a good soldier, being filled with and
guided by the Holy Spirit. No wonder he could say, "I have
fought a good fight" (2 Tim. 4:7).
Paul has been accompanied by a whole host of Christians
who have fought the battle for truth. Can you name some of
them?
THINK IT THROUGH
Is implicit obedience essential in the operations of an
army? Should Christians ever obey without knowing why?
(See Heb. 11:8.)
FURTHER STUDY
Judges
7; Education,
pp. 271, 295-297.
92
Order for Efficiency
LESSON 11
❑
Wednesday
March 11
Part 4
Think upon how Jesus felt as He sent forth His first disci-
JESUS SENDS pies.
DISCIPLES
"He called unto him the twelve, and began to send them
forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean
spirits" (Mark 6:7).
Why did Jesus choose just twelve to be closest to Him? Is the
number possibly related to the twelve tribes of Israel? We may
not know the answer, but we do know that the New Jerusalem
has twelve foundations and names of the apostles are written on
them. (See Rev. 21:14.) Jesus told the Twelve that they would
judge the twelve tribes. (See Matt: 19:28.)
We note that Jesus sent out His disciples two by two. Here is
order and organization. We do not know for sure which of the
disciples went together, but doubtless the combination was for
a purpose.
Furthermore, Jesus gave them the power they needed to do
their work. In succeeding verses in this chapter we learn of
detailed instructions given to the disciples. There is an or-
ganized group going out to do a specific task, a Leader, and
those who, do what He commands.
Here we" see in embryo how the church operates. It moves
forward in an orderly fashion. A congregation may be large or
small, but it always addresses itself to a task and then proceeds
to do its work with dispatch and efficiency.
What experience in the Old Testament illustrates how a
group under God's control can accomplish an important pur-
pose in spite of small numbers? Judges 7:2-15.
The success of the church is not dependent on large num-
bers. It is dependent on dedication and a faith that God can
work through few as well as through many. (See 1 Sam. 14:6.)
"Man needs a power outside of and beyond himself, to re-
store him to the likeness of God, and enable him to do the work
of God; but this does not make the human agency unessential.
Humanity lays hold upon divine power, Christ dwells in the heart
by faith; and through co-operation with the divine, the power of
man becomes efficient for good.
"He who called the fishermen of Galilee is still calling men to
His service. And He is just as willing to manifest His power
through us as through the first disciples. However imperfect
and sinful we may be, the Lord holds out to us the offer of
partnership with Himself, of apprenticeship to Christ."—The
Desire of Ages,
pp. 296, 297.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is it important for God to use human beings rather than
angels to take the message of grace to fallen man?
FURTHER STUDY
Luke 9:1-6;
The Great Controversy,
pp. 70-73;
Patriarchs and
Prophets,
pp. 548-554.
93
Order for Efficiency
LESSON 11
❑
Thursday
March 12
Part 5
NEED FOR
STRUCTURE
When Paul left Titus on the island of Crete, what need was
he meeting?
"The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten
out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town,
as I directed you" (Titus 1:5, NIV).
Paul recognized that it was not enough just to have groups of
Christians wherever he preached the gospel. These groups
needed to be organized into continuing communities,
each
with
its own elder. He had not had time to work out the details of
organization, but he left Titus to do this.
Is it obvious today that when a church is formed, there must
be recognized leadership? Someone must take the initiative,
calling the group together and arranging for the various needs
of the members. For instance, there needs to be a place to meet
for worship, and everyone needs to know where that place is.
Someone must arrange a time for each meeting—a time that
suits the majority. We are not referring now to the day of wor-
ship. But will the Sabbath worship services take place in the
morning or in the afternoon? What about times for prayer?
What about the communion service? Who will be responsible
for the offerings? What about prayer for the sick? (See James
5:14.) What about the widows and the poor in their midst?
Who will represent the group as delegates if there is a call for
a general council? How will the delegates be selected? These
will be some of the concerns of the local church, and doubtless
a new group would be interested in the experience of other
groups in order to organize themselves in the best possible way.
Titus was no doubt a resource person in this respect.
What other important matters must be cared for by the local
church? 1 Cor. 9:13, 14.
God made provision for the support of the Levites through the
tithes, and God has provided that the gospel ministry shall be
supported by the tithe today.
Some may be self-supporting missionaries or ministers, just
as Paul was able to support himself at certain times by tentmak-
ing or by personal means. But this is not the rule. Jesus
suggested that the disciples stay at the homes of those who
received them and thus enjoy their hospitality. No doubt Titus,
while on Crete, was often invited into different homes for board
and lodging. But the ministry is on a much sounder basis when
it is supported by the tithe according to God's plan.
Does organization lessen the need for the presence of the
Holy Spirit in the life of the church?
1 Timothy 3, 4;
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 617-621.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
94
Order for Efficiency
LESSON 11
❑
Friday
March 13
Part 6
What situation in the temple at Jerusalem led Jesus to
ORGANIZED, strong action?
BUT DEAD
"When he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them
all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured
out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables" (John
2:15).
The services at the temple in Jerusalem had ceased to be
worshipful. The place that was to be a house of prayer had
become a "house of merchandise" (verse 16).
The need for sacrifices to be"offered in the temple was un-
questioned. God had provided for these in the sanctuary ser-
vice. Those who came from long distances to worship at the
Passover would not be able to bring their animals with them.
Hence the need for the purchase of sheep and oxen in
Jerusalem.
Offerings for the temple were also a part of worship. But the
Jews decided that only the temple shekel would be accepted for
this purpose or for the purchase of sacrifices. People coming
from far away would have to change their currency in order to
have an appropriate offering. Thus a money changer was
necessary.
In what ways may organization and ritual detract from the
spirit of worship?
When organization hinders the prime purpose of the church,
then organization must be set aside. The sole purpose of or-'
ganization is to enable the church to function efficiently.
"Evil does not result because of organization, but because of
making organization everything, and vital godliness of little
moment. When form and machinery take the pre-eminence, and
a laborious task is made of carrying on the work that should be
done with simplicity, evil will result, and little will be ac-
complished in proportion to the effort put forth."—
Fundamentals of Christian Education,
p. 253.
•
"Some have advanced the thought that as we near the close
of time, every child of God will act independently of any reli-
gious organization. But I have been instructed by the Lord that
in this work there is no such thing as every man's being inde-
pendent. The stars of heaven are all under
law."—Testimonies
to Ministers,
p. 489.
THINK IT THROUGH
When did organization become necessary in the adminis-
tration of our institutions, in the protection of church property,
and in the publication of books and tracts containing the
truths for our times?
FURTHER STUDY
Mark 7:1-13;
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 154-166.
95
2 iSetm
IA
Leaders
LESSON 12 March 15-21
"Hereby perceive we the love of
God, because he laid down his life for
us; and we ought to lay down our lives
for the brethren" (1 John 3:16).
In the church the concept of
leadership is entirely different from
that in the world. In the world there
is always competition for the highest
place—the highest honor. But in the
church the highest honor is to serve.
Jesus set the example in word and
deed. He said that He had not come
to be served, but to serve. He
exemplified this, not only in His daily
ministry, but also during the Last
Supper with His disciples, when He
took a towel and washed their feet.
(See John 13:4, 5.) Then He enjoined
His disciples—those who were going
to be the first leaders of the
church—to follow His example.
In our lesson this week we see how
leadership in the church is
primarily
a function of service. Paul looked
upon himself as a servant of the
people. He dedicated himself to the
Fospel ministry, because he felt that
in this way he could bring the
greatest amount of good to all. In a
striking exhortation, he said: "Be ye
followers of me, even as I also am of
Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1).
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are
given "
-
for the perfecting of the
saints, for the work of the ministry"
(Eph. 4:12). If one analyzes the
various gifts distributed by the Holy
Spirit among members of the
church, it is seen that their prime
purpose is to equip Christians to
serve others. Thus an apostle is sent
with a message of salvation. A
prophet speaks for God so that men
and women may be reminded of
truths they need to apply in their
lives. Teachers guide, direct, and
instruct in the way of righteousness,
not for their own benefit, but for the
benefit of others. An examination of
the other gifts will show that they
exist in the church for mutual
encouragement and help.
Elders and bishops may seem to
have positions of honor, and
certainly they carry important
responsibilities. But they are to feed
the flock and oversee the interests of
the church so that none may be led
astray.
A key office in the church is that of
the deacon. As he sees to the many
material needs of the church, he
releases others to care for the
church's spiritual needs. The
qualifications for deacons are as high
as those for elders and bishops. (See
1
,
Tim. 3:1-13; Acts 6:1-7.)
The danger is always present that
officers in the church will
misrepresent their. Master and
exercise an authority that does not
belong to them. We should notice
the dangers that face church leaders
so that we and they may be warned.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
A Serving Master
(Matt. 20:28)
2.
Chosen to Serve
(Acts 6:3)
3.
Gifts for Service
(Eph. 4:12)
4.
Leadership Roles
(Eph. 4:11)
5.
Elders and a Council
(Acts 14:23)
6.
False Leaders
(Matt. 23:3)
Servant Leaders
LESSON 12
❑
Sunday
March 15
Part 1
What did Jesus say He had come to do?
A SERVING
MASTER
"Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but
to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" (Matt.
20:28).
From beginning to end, the life of Jesus was one of service. He
told His disciples that they were to follow His example. They
would be very different from the world, because the world con-
fused greatness with authority, while the disciples were to rec-
ognize that true greatness consisted in service. (See verses
25-27.)
What powers go with position in worldly organization?
"In the kingdoms of the world, position meant self-
aggrandizement. The people were supposed to exist for the
benefit of the ruling classes. . . .
"Christ was establishing a kingdom on different principles.
He called men, not to authority, but to service, the strong to bear
the infirmities of the weak. Power, position, talent, education,
placed their possessor under the greater obligation to serve his
fellows. . . .
" . . . The principle on which Christ acted [practicing self-
denial] is to actuate the members of the church which is His
body."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 550.
Note the principles on which Paul built his ministry. 1 Cor.
9:19; 10:33.
Paul recognized that he was free to do what he liked with his
life, and that is a freedom that exists for everyone. But he chose
to be a servant. He had only one objective—to bring salvation to
his fellowmen. So he did not consult his own interests, but
theirs. He adapted himself to all kinds of people so that he might
be a blessing to them. He knew that he could not compel anyone
to accept the truth of the gospel, but he also knew that he could
not go on living his life without considering the needs of those
around him. This meant a certain amount of self-discipline. (See
1 Cor. 9:27.) But it was a price he was prepared to pay because,
not only was he a servant of those in need, but he was a "servant
[also bondservant or slave] of Jesus Christ" (Rom. 1:1).
Here then is an important characteristic of the church. It
stands as a symbol of service to mankind, because it is a group
of people who are slaves of Jesus Christ—slaves by choice, in
gratitude.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I finding service for Christ a burden rather than a bless-
ing?
FURTHER STUDY
Luke 17:7-10;
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 642-651.
98
Servant Leaders
LESSON 12
❑
Monday
March 16
Part 2
When the church grew so large that the original Twelve
CHOSEN could not do all that needed to be done in the church, what
TO SERVE plans were made to solve the problem?
"Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of
honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we
may appoint over this business" (Acts
6:3).
The church not only grew in size, but some cultural/racial
tensions troubled the administration (verse 1). The church
leadership had to be expanded to meet the situation. The apos-
tles wanted to devote themselves to the preaching of the Word
and caring for spiritual interests. Yet the divided groups of
widows in the church had to be cared for, and someone had to
make sure that in meeting their needs there was justice and fair
distribution.
This was a problem that had not existed before. The situation
required changes in administration. Could this be effected
quietly and efficiently? The results indicate that the right moves
were made. (See verse 7.) The church must always be prepared,
under the Spirit's leading, to make changes of policy as new
situations arise.
Note the following points to be drawn from this recorded
experience:
1.
We must not be surprised if sometimes there are injustices
or inconsistencies in the church. After all, the church has a very
human element about it! (See verse 1.)
2.
On this occasion it appears that the whole church was
called together to consider the problem. (See verse 2.)
3.
Appeal was made to reason regarding responsibilities that
needed to be carried. Spiritual priorities must not be laid aside
for the sake of temporal needs (verse 2).
4.
The whole church was asked to recommend seven men
who could be relied on to undertake the task of serving tables.
Such men would be called deacons or church administrators
today.
5.
The church was willing to undertake this task, and certain
men were named for the office and were brought before the
apostles for their blessing and ordination.
6.
The church continued to expand, and we know that two of
the seven later distinguished themselves—Stephen by being
the first Christian martyr, and Philip by evangelizing Samaria
and baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch.
Thus the church must always be ready to modify its structure
in order to fulfill its primary responsibilities.
THINK IT THROUGH
"Solemn are the responsibilities resting upon those who
are called to act as leaders in the church of God on earth."—
The Acts of the Apostles,
p. 92.
FURTHER STUDY
Gal. 5:13; Col. 3:24;
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 87-92.
99
Servant Leaders
LESSON 12
❑
Tuesday
March 17
Part 3
GIFTS FOR
SERVICE
What does Paul say is the reason that spiritual gifts are
given to members of the church?
"To prepare God's people for works of service, so that the
body of Christ may be built up" (Eph. 4:12, NIV).
The NEB translates this verse: "To equip God's people for
work in his service, to the building up of the body of Christ."
These two versions combine two propositions that are ex-
pressed in the KJV as follows: (1) "for the perfecting of the
saints" and (2) "for the work of the ministry." Many scholars feel
that the two propositions should be combined so that one is
accomplished to make the other possible.
With this understanding it is clear that the gift of leadership
cited in the previous verse (verse 11) is for training members to
serve. But do the leaders in our churches do this?
Is it possible that in too many churches there has been a
division between the leaders (the "clergy") and the other
members (the "laity")?
At times, leaders have undertaken to do all the work, as the
members have chosen to sit as spectators. But this is not the
plan outlined in Scripture. Nor was it the practice of the early
church.
That church grows in which the minister leads and trains the
laity how to work. This may mean more effort on the part of the
minister, who may find it easier to do the work himself. But
God's plan is to give gifts to some who will teach others how to
engage in service for the building up of the body of Christ.
The root meaning of the Greek word for "equip" (NEB) or
"perfection" (KJV) has to do with resetting a broken limb or
mending a net. "The basic idea of the word is that of putting a
thing or a person into the condition in which he or it ought to be.
It is the function of the office-bearers of the Church to see that
the members of the Church are so educated, so helped, so
guided, so cared for, so sought out when they go astray, that
they become what they ought to be. The office-bearer of the
Church holds his office, not for his own honour, but for the help
he can give his fellow-members within the Church."—William
Barclay,
Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians
(Philadelphia:
The Westminster Press, 1958), p. 176.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is my church a family in which every member contributes his
share of ministry for the upbuilding of the body of Christ? If
not, what is my responsibility?
FURTHER STUDY
Eph. 6:5-9;
The Ministry of Healing,
pp. 95-107.
100
Servant Leaders
LESSON .12
❑
Wednesday
March 18
Part 4
How does Paul describe some of the leaders in the church?
LEADER-
SHIP ROLES
"He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,
evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers" (Eph. 4:11).
Leaders in the church are not self-appointed; their calling is
from Christ. He has chosen and appointed them. They are then
available according to need.
Church office is very different from positions held in the
world. In the world a man may choose the type of work he wants
to do. He will train for it and then do it as opportunity comes his
way. But in the church, effective leadership comes only when
Christ is in control and His will is done.
What are the primary gifts of the Spirit in the life of the
church?
Apostles:
"Their office was the most important to which
human beings had ever been called, second only to that of
Christ Himself. They were to be workers together with God for
the saving of men. As in the Old Testament the twelve patriarchs
stood as representatives of Israel, so the twelve apostles stand
as representatives of the gospel church."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
p. 19.
The New Testament tells us of others who were apostles
besides the Twelve. Paul was an apostle (1 Cor. 9:1). So were
Barnabas, Apollos, Timothy and others. Paul refers to James,
the Lord's brother, as one (Gal. 1:19). Most of the apostles were
those who had seen Jesus and were witnesses of His resurrec-
tion. (See Acts 1:21, 22.) Paul could claim to have seen Jesus
and to have been convinced of the resurrection. (See Phil. 3:10.)
The root meaning of the word
apostle
is "one who is sent"—a
messenger.
Prophets:
A prophet is one who speaks for God. He does not
necessarily foretell the future, but he may do so as he delivers
God's messages. Jesus warned that there would be many false
prophets in the last days. (See Matt. 24:11.) But the remnant
church will be marked by the gift of prophecy.
Evangelists:
An evangelist is a bearer of the good news of the
gospel. Philip was an evangelist in Samaria (Acts 8:5; 21:8). Paul
urged Timothy to do the work of an evangelist (2 Tim. 4:5). An
evangelist today is one who concentrates on taking the gospel
to those outside the church.
Pastors and teachers:
It is interesting that these two offices
should be placed together. It suggests that the pastor needs to
be a teacher, and the teacher needs to be a pastor.
THINK IT THROUGH
How do I see the officers of my church serving the members
in the church?
FURTHER STUDY
Matt. 20:20-28;
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 360-371.
101
Servant Leaders
LESSON 12
❑
Thursday
March 19
Part 5
ELDERS AND
A COUNCIL
THINK IT THROUGH
Note the care with which leaders were appointed in
churches raised up by Paul.
"When they had ordained them elders in every church, and
had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on
whom they believed" (Acts 14:23).
The elders were not to constitute a hierarchy to dominate the
church. They were commended to the Lord, on whom they
believed and from whom they would receive direction and help.
The connection between member and Lord, officer and Lord, is
always open, always vital. The church finds its unity, not in
organization, but in a relationship to Christ. And it is the spirit of
Christ—the spirit of service—that prevails.
When the church was faced with a problem of doctrine and
practice, how did it proceed to find a solution? Acts 15:2.
Read Acts 15:1-35 for the whole story. Note the following
aspects:
1.
The problem is not a simple one, because backgrounds
and biases come into play.
2.
Lengthy arguments are used on both sides, but this does
not solve the problem.
3.
The issue is ultimately the concern of the whole church.
4.
Delegates are chosen, sent, and received. Apostles and
elders are present, and speeches are made.
5.
James sums up the arguments and proposes a solution.
"The council moved in accordance with the dictates of en-
lightened judgment, and with the dignity of a church estab-
lished by the divine will. As a result of their deliberations they all
saw that God Himself had answered the question at issue by
bestowing upon the Gentiles the Holy Ghost; and they realized
that it was their part to follow the guidance of the Spirit.
"The entire body of Christians was not called upon to vote
upon the question. The 'apostles and elders,' men of influence
and judgment, framed and issued the decree, which was
thereupon generally accepted by the Christian churches. Not
all, however, were pleased with the decision."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
p. 196.
Is it always wise to consider carefully the decisions of a
council that Is "the voice of the highest authority upon the
earth"?—The
Acts of the Apostles,
p. 196.
FURTHER STUDY
Prov. 11:14; 24:6; 15:22;
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 188-200.
102
Servant Leaders
LESSON 12'
❑
Friday
March 20
Part 6
What type of leader did Jesus say we should not follow in all
FALSE respects?
LEADERS
"All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that ob-
serve and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and
do not" (Matt. 23:3).
Read the whole of chapter 23. Notethe marks of a bad leader:
1.
He is concerned about show and wants to be seen of men
in places of honor and to be called by honorific titles (verses
5-7).
2.
He does not go into the kingdom himself, and he hinders
others from doing. so
(verse 13).
3.
He profits from the poor and needy, but he says long
prayers to suggest that he is pious (verse 14).
4.
He is apparently zealous for the salvation of men and
exerts himself a good deal in this respect, but the result of his
work does not promote the work of God (verse 15).
5.
His teaching does not stand up to reason (verses 16-22).
6.
He is so legalistic in his interpretation of what is right and
wrong that in the end he insists on minute details but overlooks
gross breaches of the law (verses 23-26).
7.
He rejects God's messages of truth and persecutes those
who want to do what is right (verses 34, 35).
Will leaders in the church have any of these characteristics?
Not if they have the grace of God in their hearts. But there is
always the danger that the church will become so in-
stitutionalized that it ceases to represent God and His activity.
Instead of being shepherds of the flock, the ministers will be
hirelings who run away in time of danger and fail to do the work
they have agreed to do.
By contrast, how are God's chosen leaders to act? 1 Peter
4:10, 11.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
"It is as if Peter said, 'When you are engaged in Christian
service, you must not do it or give it as if you were conferring a
personal favour, or distributing bounty from your own store, but
in the consciousness that what you give, you first received from
God.' Such an attitude preserves the giver from all pride and the
gift from all humiliation."—William Barclay,
The Letters of
James and Peter
(Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1960),
p. 304.
What a difference it would make to the church today if every-
thing done in it were done to the glory of God.
What alone can keep a leader from being pharisaical in his
leadership?
Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47;
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 606-
620.
103
LESSON 13 March 22-28
"Seeing then that all these things
shall be dissolved, what manner of
persons ought ye to be in all holy
conversation and godliness, looking for
and hasting unto the coming of the day
of God, wherein the heavens being on
fire shall be dissolved, and the elements
shall melt with fervent heat?" (2 Peter
3:11, 12).
The church at present is a pilgrim
church; but the time will come, and
that very soon, when it will be the
church triumphant. John the
revelator said that he saw in vision "a
great multitude, which no man could
number, of all nations, and kindreds,
and people, and tongues." They
were standing "before the throne,
and before the Lamb, clothed with
white robes, and palms in their
hands."
(Rev. 7:9).
That will be a glorious day. Until
then the church needs to be ready to
meet the Bridegroom. In our lesson
this week we look at some of the
warnings that have been given, at
some of the areas in which the
church needs to get ready, and at the
changes to take place at the great
consummation.
First of all, we look at the parable of
the ten virgins. We note that a delay
postponed the expected arrival of
the bridegroom. All the virgins went
to sleep; but some had made
adequate preparation in case of a
delay, while others had not. We do
not know the time of the second
advent; so we must be prepared at all
times.
How shall we relate to the obvious
delay in Christ's second coming?
Shall we, as did the evil servant in
Christ's parable, say, "My
lord
delayeth his coming"? (Matt. 24:48).
Should we not rather admit that "it is
the unbelief, the worldliness,
unconsecration, and strife among
the Lord's professed people that
have kept us in this world of sin and
sorrow
so many
years"?—Evangelism,
p. 696. And do we realize that
"it
is
the privilege of every Christian not
only to look for but to hasten the
coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ"?—Christ's
Object Lessons,
p. 69.
The church in the last days will be
aware of the changes that must take
place before God's purposes can be
fulfilled. Sin has caused so much
havoc that all of earthly creation must
be utterly destroyed, and all creation
groans in expectation of change. We
are never pleased with the evils that
we see around us. We would like to
see the situation changed. But we
know that the solution to our
problems is not in science or
technology, not in politics or the
show of force, but in the second
coming of Jesus.
The picture given us of the grand
reunion of the church and its Master
is that of a wedding supper. There is
no one who is not invited. But all of
us who accept the invitation must
also accept the full provisions God
has made. We must be sure to have a
wedding garment. Should we not
gratefully put on such a garment
when it is so graciously offered to us?
What a glorious scene is presented
by John as he sees the New Jerusalem
coming down from God out of
heaven! We do well to contemplate
this scene and to refresh our
memories with the great things being
prepared for us.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1. Wise and Foolish
(Matt. 25:1)
2. A living Hope
(1 Peter 1:3)
3. Dramatic Changes
(2 Peter 3:10)
4. Second Advent
(1 Thess. 4:13)
5. A Wedding Supper
(Rev. 19:7)
6. The New Jerusalem
(Rev. 21:2)
Working While Waiting
LESSON 13
❑
Sunday
March 22
Part 1
WISE AND
FOOLISH
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
How fitting was the parable Jesus used to describe the
church in the last days?
"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten
virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the
bridegroom" (Matt. 25:1).
The previous chapter records Jesus' description of condi-
tions that will exist in the world just before His coming. It is at
just such a time that the principles in the parable of the ten
virgins are particularly applicable.
What fact regarding the time of Christ's coming makes it
important for God's people to be watching at all times? Matt.
25:13.
The virgins are to have their lamps ready. The Word of God is a
lamp that enables them to know how and where their feet are to
tread. (See Ps. 119:105.) The oil is the Holy Spirit. (Compare
Zech. 4:1-14.) God has supplied the lamp and the oil as well.
"Without the Spirit of God a knowledge of His word is of no
avail. The theory of truth, unaccompanied by the Holy Spirit,
cannot quicken the soul or sanctify the heart. One may be
familiar with the commands and promises of the Bible; but
unless the Spirit of God sets the truth home, the character will
not
be
transformed. Without the enlightenment of the Spirit,
men will not be able to distinguish truth from error, and they will
fall under the masterful deceptions of Satan.
"The class represented by the foolish virgins are not hypo-
crites. They have a regard for the truth, they have advocated the
truth, they are attracted to those who believe the truth; but they
have not yielded themselves to the Holy Spirit's working."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
pp. 408, 411.
Contemplate Jesus' warning that those who seem nearest
to
the
kingdom are not always those who will enter it. Matt.
8:11, 12.
Read Matthew 8:5-10. The centurion had shown implicit faith
in the power of Jesus to heal, not by a magical touch or a
so-called charismatic presence, but merely by His word. (Con-
trast Naaman the leper; 2 Kings 5:11.) This kind of faith must
exist among God's people in the last days.
How do I relate to the delay in the second coming of Jesus?
Matt. 25:1-13;
Christ's Object Lessons,
"To Meet the Bride-
groom," pp. 405-421.
106
Working While Waiting
LESSON 13
❑
Monday
March 23
Part 2
A LIVING
HOPE
Note Peter's development of the new-birth concept taught
by Jesus.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In
his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead"
(1 Peter 1:3, NIV).
When Jesus was crucified on Friday, the early disciples were
without hope. Only when they were convinced that He had risen
from the dead did new life surge through them. Only when they
could see that the whole Old Testament had pointed to a suffer-
ing Messiah did they begin to hope. (See Luke 24:25-27.)
The Christian hope centers in the second coming of Christ. It
matters not what life's experiences may be here on earth. They
may be pleasant or unpleasant. It is the future that counts. Peter
says that he can now look forward to "an inheritance that can
never perish" (1 Peter 1:4, NIV). It is safely kept in heaven, not
only for him, but for us. Furthermore, through faith we are
shielded by God's power "until the coming of the salvation that
is ready to be revealed in the last time" (verse 5, NIV). And
because of this we can all be happy, regardless of the cir-
cumstances through which we have to pass (verse 6).
In writing to Titus, Paul speaks of the Christian's hope and
its consequences. Titus 2:12, 13.
As a blessed hope it teaches us "to say 'No' to ungodliness
and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and
godly lives in this present age" (verse 12, NIV).
The church member dedicates himself wholly to the princi-*-
ples of God's righteousness. He wants nothing to do with the
ways of this world, because he belongs to another kingdom—
one that will never pass away.
Do you recognize the pilgrim nature of the Christian life as
expressed in Hebrews 13:14?
The church member is willing to wait for God's plans to work
out. They will always be for the best. Men of faith in the past did
not receive the fulfillment of the promises, and we today may
not either, but the time will come when God will make all things
perfect. (See Heb. 11:39, 40.)
THINK IT THROUGH
Is it true that the otherworldliness of the Christian does not
necessarily make him negligent of his duties on earth?
FURTHER STUDY
Heb. 11:13-16; 1 Peter 2:9-12;
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp.
514-528.
107
Working While Waiting
LESSON 13
❑
Tuesday
March 24
Part 3
DRAMATIC
CHANGES
What great changes does Peter say will take place on this
earth?
"The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the
which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the
elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the
works that are therein shall be burned up" (2 Peter 3:10).
This old world, sin-cursed as it is, cannot continue forever.
The time will come when God will destroy sin and all that has
been affected by it. By that time everyone will have had an
opportunity to decide his fate. God will have vindicated His
name and character of love, and sin will have been seen to be
the destructive and cruel element it certainly is. Those who have
chosen sin have by now become so involved in it that they
cannot be distinguished from it. As in the case of Satan, there is
no further room for mercy. It is a mercy that they are destroyed
and that the world is cleansed from the defilement of sin.
Until that time comes, how does Paul describe creation?
Rom. 8:19-23.
Paul is aware of the glories to come. He knows that we are
children of God and therefore "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with
Christ" (verse 17). But meanwhile there is a groaning and a
longing for change. Not only do human beings want a change,
but the whole creation is involved.
Note the way the writer to the Hebrews describes the hope
that is set before the Christian. Heb. 6:19.
The symbol is that of an anchor which steadies the ship in the
time of storm and keeps it from running before the wind. Some
people are unsteady. They are moved by every wind of doctrine.
(See Eph. 4:14.) They are easily deceived, easily upset. One can
never be sure of the direction they are taking. They cannot be
depended on to steer a steady course in life. James likens such a
person to a wave of the sea. He has no strong faith as a steady-
ing influence. By contrast, the Christian has a hope that does
not waver. He knows that it is based on the promises of God, and
God cannot lie. (See Heb. 6:16-18.)
Thus the church of the last days has a faith in God that cannot
be shaken; and even when the last great dramatic changes take
place in nature, church members will not be afraid but will know
that God's Word is being fulfilled.
How can I best prepare to meet the calamities that will come
upon the world?
Ps. 16:1-9; 31:23, 24;
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 529-538.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
108
Working While
Waiting
LESSON 13
❑
Wednesday
March 25
Part 4
Of what did Paul say he did not want Christians to be ignor-
SECOND ant?
ADVENT
"I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning
them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others
which have no hope" (1 Thess. 4:13).
There is no sorrow greater than that which comes with the
passing away of a loved one. But the Christian has hope. The
loved one has not gone forever. Because Christ has risen from
the dead, the portals of death can be opened. In fact, says Paul,
the time is coming when there will be a resurrection of the
righteous. It will be at the time of the second coming.
This gives great comfort for the present. A time of reunion is
coming, when we will be caught up with all saints to meet the
Lord in the air and to be with Christ forevermore (verse 17).
How universal will be the knowledge of Christ's second
coming? Rev. 1:7.
The voice of the archangel and the sound of the trumpet will
be heard. Clouds of angels will be seen. The advent will be as
lightning that shines from the east to the west. (See Matt. 24:27.)
Graves will open, and the righteous dead will arise. What an
advent that will be! The human mind cannot grasp it, nor can the
imagination comprehend it. For some it will be a frightening
moment. For others it will be a moment of great joy. For the
church it will be the climax of the ages.
What other important change takes place at the second
advent? 1 Cor. 15:51-58.
Death is a great enemy now. But at the second advent, death
will be swallowed up in victory.
This corruptible flesh will be replaced by something incor-
ruptible. The present mortal state will be changed to that which
is immortal.
John has been cited on the wide impact of the advent. He also
says we shall be like our Lord, seeing Him as He is. Because of
this hope we now seek to be pure even as our Lord is pure. (See
1 John 3:2, 3.)
The church thus looks forward to the second coming and
meanwhile seeks to do God's will and to be covered by Jesus'
merits. By this means its members may indeed qualify to be
among the redeemed.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why are some people afraid of the second coming of Jesus?
What may I do or say to ease their fear?
FURTHER STUDY
John 14:1-3; Acts 1:10, 11; 2 Tim. 4:8; Isa. 25:9;
The Great
Controversy,
pp. 641-645.
109
Working While Waiting
LESSON 13
❑
Thursday
March 26
Part 5
A WEDDING
SUPPER
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
110
Savor the great rejoicing among God's last-day servants.
"Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready" (Rev. 19:7, NIV).
John the revelator looks down to the end of time and sees the
saints rejoicing because there is to be a wedding involving the
Lamb and the New Jerusalem—the home of the saints. John
explains that the linen in verse 8 stands for the righteousness of
the saints. Then he adds: "Blessed are those who are invited to
the wedding supper of the Lamb!" (verse 9, MV).
What parable did Jesus relate which gives us further details
about the marriage supper of the Lamb? Matt. 22:1-14.
Three invitations are sent out to call people to the wedding:
The
first
was when Jesus and His disciples announced to the
Jewish people that the kingdom of heaven was at hand—that
people should repent and believe the gospel. Unfortunately, the
vast majority of the people and the Jewish leaders did not
respond With gratitude; they rejected the invitation.
The
second
went out in the power of the Holy Spirit after
Pentecost. But once again the invitation was rejected, and the
bearers of the message were persecuted and put to death.
The
third
invitation is addressed to the Gentiles; and the
gospel is preached to every nation, kindred, tongue, and
people.
What destiny-settling counsel is given to the church of
Laodicea? Rev. 3:18.
"This robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has in it not one
thread of human devising. Christ in His humanity wrought out a
perfect character, and this character He offers to impart to
us."—Christ's Object Lessons,
p. 311.
To accept the wedding invitation is a great privilege. To reject
it is also a terrible disaster. (See Matt. 22:7.) Accepting the
invitation means also accepting God's standards for us in His
plan of salvation. This does not involve any hardship for us; but
if we do not take advantage of our opportunities, we may be like
the man without the wedding garment who was "speechless"
before the king.
Do I understand why so many people reject the gospel
message?
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Without a Wedding Garment," pp.
307-319.
Working While Waiting
LESSON 13
❑
Friday
March 27
Part 6
THE NEW
JERUSALEM
When John saw a vision of the new heavens and new earth,
what was the nature of the city coming down out of heaven?
"I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from
God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for tier hus-
band" (Rev. 21:2).
The New Jerusalem is described as "the bride, the Lamb's
wife" (verse 9). It is the capital of that kingdom which Jesus
receives from the "Ancient of days," as described in Daniel 7:13,
14. It is a kingdom that will never pass away, in which peace and
righteousness will prevail.
What are some of the conditions that will exist in the earth
made new? Rev. 21:3, 4.
"In the Bible the inheritance of the saved is called 'a country.'
Heb. 11:14-16. There the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to
fountains of living waters. The tree of life yields its fruit every
month, and the leaves of the tree are for the service of the
nations. There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and
beside them waving trees cast their shadows upon the paths
prepared for the ransomed of the Lord. There the wide-spread-
ing plains swell into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God
rear their lofty summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those
living streams, God's people, so long pilgrims and wanderers,
shall find a home."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 675.
Savor the poetic words with which Isaiah contrasts what will
exist then with what exists today. Isa. 11:6-9.
"One reminder [of sin] alone remains: Our Redeemer will ever
bear the marks of His crucifixion. Upon His wounded head,
upon His side, His hands and feet, are the only traces of the cruel
work that sin has wrought."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 674.
"The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more.
The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and glad-
ness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all,
flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of
illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world,
all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty
and perfect joy, declare that God is love."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
p. 678.
THINK IT THROUGH
In view of the glorious heavenly future, what should I be
doing now?
FURTHER STUDY
John 14:2; Heb. 11:16; Rev. 22:14;
The Great Controversy,
pp.
662-678.
111
Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of the Adult Lessons for the
second quarter of 1981 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first two
lessons. The title of the series is THE CHURCH—HOME AT LAST.
First Lesson
THE CHURCH FALLEN AND REDEEMED
Memory Text, Gen. 1:31.
1.
Meeting Man's Need (Gen. 2:18)
2.
Freedom of Choice (Josh. 24:15)
3.
The Burden of Disobedience (Rom. 5:12)
4.
Saviour From Sin (Matt. 1:21)
5.
Bruising the Serpent's Head (Gen. 3:15)
6.
The Ascending Lord (Acts 1:3, 9)
Second Lesson
THEN JESUS CAME
Memory Text, Gen. 49:10.
1. The Promised One (Isa. 9:6, 7)
2. No Room (Luke 2:7)
3. Peace to Men (Luke 2:9, 13, 14)
4.
Saved to Save (Matt. 2:16)
5.
His Blood Avails (Gal. 2:20)
6.
Newness of Life (Rom. 6:3, 4)
Lessons in 3raille
The regular Adult Sabbath School Lessons are available free each month in
Braille and 16
2
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TURKEY
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IRAQ
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LIBYA
EGYPT
SUDAN
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UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE
of EASTERN
AFRICA
AFRO-
MIDEAST
DIVISION
East African Union
Ethiopian Union
Middle East Union
Tanzania Union
Unions
Population
Churches
Church
S.S.
Members Members
East African
27,599,000
728
142,372
234,914
Ethiopian
'35,305,000
87
32,151
63,342
Middle East
191.766.000
34
2.674
1,806
Tanzania
17.552.000
244
40,055
58,144
Division Totals
272.222,000
1.093
217,252
358,208
Figures es of fourth quarter, 1979